Scope
Reference
C406189
Description
NHS England is running an Open Procurement Process for the Delivery of Lead Employer Services within the North East region.
The maximum length of any agreement will be 8 years. The initial term of the agreement will be for 3 years, with optional extensions of 2 years + 2 years + 1 year.
The maximum value of any awarded agreement will be £3,560,795.66.
The deadline for submission of completed ITT submissions is 13th February 2026 at 12:00pm (midday).
Late submissions will not be accepted therefore, please submit in good time prior to the deadline date and time.
The Contracting Authority requests that all communications are channelled through the e-portal system and not with the Contracting Authority itself other than as expressly permitted within this ITT.
Further information relating to this project can be found on the NHSE e-tendering portal at the link below. All clarification questions and submission bids must be received via this portal only. Registration is free of charge.
https://health-family-contract-search.secure.force.com/?SearchType=Projects
Total value (estimated)
- £3,560,795.66 excluding VAT
- £3,560,795.66 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
There will be optional extension periods of 2 years + 2 years + 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75121000 - Administrative educational services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79420000 - Management-related services
- 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
29 January 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
13 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
10 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical | 70% Technical |
Quality | 70.00% |
| Commercial | 20% Commercial |
Cost | 20.00% |
| Social Value | 10% Social Value |
Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The estimated value of this procurement is based upon the current delivery model for Lead Employer Services in the North East.
Policy or Regulatory changes during the life of this contract may result in a required change in scope of these services, which could result in the need to amend the overall contract value.
Similarly with the upcoming publication of the new NHS Workforce Plan there may be a need to reevaluate the schedule of services being delivered by the Lead Employer.
The current list of roles within scope of the Lead Employer service have been outlined within the specification however there is the possibility that over the course of the contract the “in-scope” roles may expand.
Therefore, there is the possibility that a modification under the Materialisation of Known Risk ground may be required at some point during the life of the contract.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
NHS England
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDPT-3135-BWWY
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
London
SE1 8UG
United Kingdom
Contact name: WTE Commercial Queries
Email: england.commercialqueries@nhs.net
Website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government