Scope
Reference
C414605
Description
NHS England is seeking to commission a service that provides access to suitably qualified and experienced external investigators to conduct complex and sensitive workplace investigations. These may include HR matters, Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) (whistleblowing) and/or data breach investigations.
This service will support NHS England in responding promptly to and robustly to concerns raised by staff, in line with the NHS People Promise, ensuring staff feel heard and that we meet our responsibilities as an employer.
We are considering a delivery model where the appointed provider will:
• Recruit and manage a pool of investigators.
• Complete employment checks (including DBS checks)
• Ensure mandatory training is up to date (Information Governance, Safeguarding, Equality & Inclusion).
• Manage Payments to investigators.
Investigators must comply with the NHS England policy and relevant legal requirements, producing written reports with evidence-based conclusions and recommendations that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
Investigators should have:
• Senior-level experience in complex public sector organisations.
• Expertise in conducting or overseeing sensitive investigations.
• Relevant training and qualifications (HR, Information Governance, security clearance where required).
• Board-level experience, ideally with the NHS.
The provider must ensure investigators can be mobilised within two weeks of a case being assigned. The number of investigations will vary depending on case complexity and sensitivity.
The selected supplier is expected to commence work in early April 2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £281,250 excluding VAT
- £337,500 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 30 June 2027
- 1 year, 3 months
Description of possible extension:
12 months, with the option to extend for up to three month periods (maximum potential duration: 15 months, subject to funding
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
As details in the ITT documents
Technical ability conditions of participation
As details in the ITT documents
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
6 February 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
16 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)
6 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical/Quality | 60% |
Quality | 60.00% |
| Commercial | 30% |
Price | 30.00% |
| Social value | 10% |
Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
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
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government