Cornwall’s 2023–2024 Day Opportunities Framework: Co-Designed, Flexible and Community-Based
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Cornwall Council’s Day Opportunities framework is one of the most innovative adult social care models in the UK. The framework was originally launched in 2023 and then re-opened in late 2024, when a new provider refresh window allowed additional organisations to join. Rather than updating a traditional building-based day service model, Cornwall shifted toward co-design, lived experience leadership and broad community inclusion.
The result is a framework that can fund almost any meaningful activity: traditional hub-based support, creative arts, micro-enterprises, outdoor programmes, and even animal husbandry and horticulture on working farms. For providers, it is a clear signal of where day opportunities tenders are heading nationally.
From Fixed Day Services to Flexible Day Opportunities
Before 2023, Cornwall – like many areas – relied on long-standing day service arrangements. These provided stability but limited the ability to deliver:
- Highly personalised, community-based activities
- Offers in rural and coastal areas
- Opportunities for micro-providers or specialist niche enterprises
The 2023 procurement introduced a more modern approach. Instead of specifying exactly what activities must be offered, the framework focuses on:
- Outcomes such as skills, confidence, social connection and participation
- Flexibility in how sessions are delivered (1:1, groups, hubs, outreach, evenings and weekends)
- Use of local assets – farms, community centres, social enterprises and coastal projects
For providers considering a future Cornwall Day Opportunities tender or similar frameworks elsewhere, this outcomes-based orientation is now the norm rather than the exception.
A Real Provider Network
One of the standout elements is the emphasis on running a provider network – not just signing a list of suppliers. Providers were encouraged to collaborate and shape the model during the 2023 design process and again during the 2024 refresh window.
- Regular provider network meetings
- Shared learning and co-development of approaches
- Space for small organisations and micro-enterprises
- An expectation of collaboration rather than silo delivery
This is particularly suited to Cornwall’s geography. The county includes large rural areas, isolated communities, coastal villages and a strong culture of creative, outdoor and land-based activity. A static building-based model would never fully reflect that reality.
Lived Experience at the Heart
Cornwall also built a strong lived experience panel into the framework during its design. People with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and family carers were involved in:
- Shaping the language and outcomes in the specification
- Defining what a “good day” and “good week” look like in practice
- Ensuring that activities reflect genuine choice, not just service availability
Importantly, this was not a one-off engagement exercise. The framework is designed for ongoing lived experience influence through review panels, feedback loops and co-produced improvements over time.
The Range of Activities the Framework Can Fund
Because Cornwall uses an outcomes-based model, the framework is deliberately broad. Examples of eligible offers include:
- Traditional day service hubs (with expectations for community connection and progression)
- Creative arts programmes, music, drama and craft studios
- Community cafés, social enterprises and micro-business projects
- Outdoor and nature-based work: animal care, horticulture, farm-based learning
- Coastal and environmental projects suited to Cornwall’s geography
- Employment-focused pathways and skills development
- Blended and digital options for people who cannot always travel
This flexibility is why Cornwall’s model is now being watched closely by other commissioning areas planning future day opportunities frameworks.
Funding, Outcomes and Ongoing Development
Cornwall uses a mix of sessional payments and personalised packages, with growing emphasis on:
- Clear progression and independence outcomes
- Community inclusion and meaningful occupation
- Adaptability – switching activities as a person’s goals evolve
The framework is still active and may see further provider refresh windows, but a full re-procurement has not yet been announced as of early 2025. For providers, the key message is to prepare a strong, evidence-based service model in advance so you are ready when the next refresh or tender window opens.
Why This Matters Beyond Cornwall
Even if you do not currently deliver in Cornwall, this framework is a useful case study for what councils increasingly expect from Day Opportunities tenders:
- More co-design with lived experience at every stage
- Less reliance on fixed buildings and more use of community assets
- More emphasis on rural, creative and community-based solutions
- Greater openness to micro-providers and non-traditional activities
- Stronger evidence of outcomes, progression and social value
If your current model is still heavily building-based, with limited evidence of progression or community connection, a specification like Cornwall’s will expose those gaps very quickly.
Support With Day Opportunities Tenders
If you are preparing for a Day Opportunities tender – in Cornwall or any other council – you can use my rapid support products to get your documents and answers ready:
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage – fast bid / no-bid assessment and prioritised recommendations.
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60-minute emergency support for live day opportunities tenders.
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- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit – structured review of your documents, evidence and bid readiness.
These options are designed specifically for adult social care tenders, including Day Opportunities, Supported Living and Home Care frameworks. They can be used on their own or alongside more in-depth bid support and full tender writing.
If you would like a quote for more comprehensive support on a Day Opportunities bid or framework application, you can also request a bid writing quote via the website.
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If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
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- Any risks, considerations or quick wins
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