Scope
Reference
FWK4004
Description
The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) assesses cases of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct across the Houses of Parliament. The ICGS are seeking Independent Investigators to join a framework of suppliers who will be assigned to assess cases of misconduct. The investigators will be tasked with assessing a complaint and coming to a recommendation as to whether, on the balance of probabilities, the alleged behaviour occurred and if this constitutes a breach of either the Bullying and Harassment policy or the Sexual Misconduct policy.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £2,584,000 excluding VAT
- £3,100,800 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2034
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79720000 - Investigation services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can bid for: 2
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 2
Lot 1. Bullying and Harassment Investigations
Description
• Focus: Cases involving workplace bullying or harassment.
• Supplier Profile: HR professionals, employment law specialists, or investigators with experience in workplace culture and grievance handling.
• Rationale: These cases often involve complex interpersonal dynamics and employment structures.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Sexual Misconduct (and bullying/harassment) Investigations
Description
• Focus: Allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct.
• Supplier Profile: Investigators with safeguarding experience, trauma-informed training, and familiarity with specialist interview techniques.
• Rationale: These cases require specialist handling, confidentiality, and psychological awareness.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Informal Resolution Specialists
Description
• Focus: Mediation, facilitated conversations, and behavioural agreements.
• Supplier Profile: Accredited mediators or conflict resolution professionals.
• Rationale: Not all cases proceed to full investigation; informal resolution requires a distinct skill set.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
30 September 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
20
Framework operation description
It is currently estimated that the framework will re-open in years 2, 4, and 6.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
Supported employment providers
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Bullying and Harassment Investigations
Lot 2. Sexual Misconduct (and bullying/harassment) Investigations
Lot 3. Informal Resolution Specialists
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
23 February 2026
Enquiry deadline
20 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
20 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The Tender Notice will be published via Contracts Finder and Find a Tender Service. Tender documents will be available for download via the Atamis portal, linked below.
Suppliers wishing to participate should register on the Atamis portal in advance of the publication date.
Any registration issues should be directed towards Atamis support.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 June 2026
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
The contracting authority intends to establish an internal framework of independent ICGS investigators using the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.
The procurement will be conducted using a two-stage process. Following publication of the tender documents, Stage 1 will involve an assessment of bidders' responses to mandatory conditions of participation questions. These responses will be evaluated in order to shortlist bidders with the most relevant experience and capability to deliver independent investigation services.
The highest scoring bidders from Stage 1 will be invited to progress to Stage 2. At Stage 2, these shortlisted bidders will be required to submit a full tender application.
The Stage 2 evaluation will assess bidders' responses to quality questions relevant to the provision of investigation services, and may also include practical assessment exercises designed to test applied investigative skills. Shortlisted bidders may also be invited to attend an interview with a panel of ICGS staff, which will form part of the quality assessment.
The authority reserves the right to refine the structure, stages, and evaluation approach of the procurement prior to publication of the Tender Notice. Full details of the procurement process, evaluation criteria, scoring methodology, and weightings will be set out in the Tender documents.
Reduced tendering period
Yes
Qualifying planned procurement notice - minimum 10 days
Contracting authorities
Corporate Officer of the House of Commons
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQCD-6982-LPZW
Parliament Square
LONDON
SW1A 0AA
United Kingdom
Email: pcd@parliament.uk
Website: https://www.parliament.uk/
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Corporate Officer of the House of Lords
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRMR-5585-NTMY
Parliament Square
LONDON
SW1A 0AA
United Kingdom
Contact name: Parliamentary Commercial Department
Email: pcd@parliament.uk
Website: https://www.parliament.uk/
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government