BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST - MARKET ENGAGEMENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY (SALT) SERVICE

Purpose

We are seeking early market feedback on capacity and capability to deliver a Speech and Language Therapy service for Birmingham Youth Justice Service (BYJS) from April 2026 onwards (the current contract is due to expire at the end of March 2026). This is not a call for competition and participation will not affect future procurement opportunities.

About BYJS

BYJS, part of Birmingham Children's Trust, is the UK's largest Youth Justice Service, working with around 350 children aged 10-17 at any time. Many have complex needs, including speech, communication and language needs (SCLN). Research suggests up to 60% of our cohort may require SALT support.

Service Overview

The provider will supply at least 2 FTE Therapists* to:

Assess needs and deliver interventions

Provide staff training and consultation

Support creation of communication-friendly resources

Although the services of 2 FTE Therapists are required, the provider must be able to demonstrate sufficient depth of staffing to be able to cover any absences immediately to ensure service continuity and without resorting to a recruitment process which would impact service delivery.

Therapists must be suitably qualified, experienced in youth justice settings, and committed to trauma-informed, child-first practice. The service will operate across universal, targeted and specialist levels, in partnership with agencies including health, education, and criminal justice.

Confidentiality and Compliance

All information provided will be treated in confidence and used solely for the purposes of informing our procurement planning. This engagement is conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant guidance on preliminary market engagement.