Mental Health Act Code of Practice - Lived Experience Advisory Groups 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking a service provider to deliver a comprehensive engagement programme with people who have lived experience of the Mental Health Act. The programme will ensure their perspectives meaningfully inform the drafting of an updated Code of Practice. Key responsibilities include: recruiting a diverse cohort of participants across four distinct groups; co-producing engagement methods; delivering structured and ad hoc engagement activities; safeguarding participant wellbeing; and producing high-quality reports summarizing engagement, feedback, and views. The contract is divided into 4 lots: Lot 1 (General lived experience), Lot 2 (Children and young people), Lot 3 (People with learning disabilities and autistic people), and Lot 4 (Ethnic minority and racialized communities). Contract value: £299,680 plus optional extension valued at £80,000 (total £379,680 excluding VAT). The option allows for additional engagement hours if required. Initial contract term: 21 months, with the possibility to extend for one or more further periods up to a maximum of 6 months. Bidders may apply for one or more lots.