Scope
Reference
CAV-DCO-(25-26) 114
Description
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB) receives annual funding from Welsh Government to support delivery of health protection functions within the region, including mass immunisation. A business case has been agreed which identifies how this budget is spent. Building on arrangements developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, an amount has been agreed to support the Health Protection Partnership Team within Shared Regulatory Services (SRS). This contract sets out the functions to be delivered by this team. The procurement for the Health Protection Partnership Team has been established through an approved business case and is exempt from competitive tendering under the Procurement Act 2023, based on a horizontal cooperation agreement between public authorities.
This exemption is provided for under Schedule 2, Paragraph 3 - Horizontal Arrangements, which permits contracting authorities to enter into contracts with one another without competition where all the following conditions are met:
1. The contract establishes or implements cooperation between the authorities.
2. The cooperation is intended to ensure public services are provided to achieve objectives they have in common.
3. The arrangement is governed solely by public interest considerations.
4. No more than 20% of the activities under the contract are intended to be carried out for other (non-public) purposes.
This exemption applies because the proposed agreement is a collaboration between Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Shared Regulatory Services via the Vale of Glamorgan Council, both of which are public authorities. The arrangement establishes joint working to deliver statutory health protection functions in the public interest, in accordance with their shared objectives and legal duties.
The cooperation is designed to improve efficiency, enhance regional resilience, and strengthen capacity in the delivery of health protection services, without the involvement of private sector partners or any intention to generate profit.
Accordingly, the contract is not subject to competitive tendering and has been directly awarded in full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (Schedule 2, Paragraph 3) and the Organisation's governance and procurement procedures. The direct award under the Horizontal Arrangement ensures administrative efficiency by avoiding procurement costs associated with tendering, while maintaining compliance with the Procurement Act. Financial monitoring and reporting will be undertaken quarterly to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with performance outcomes. Any variations or additional funding requirements will be subject to approval through standard Health Board financial governance processes.
Contract 1. Public Health Funding
Supplier
Contract value
- £800,000 excluding VAT
- £960,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
27 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026
- Possible extension to 31 October 2027
- 2 years
Description of possible extension:
12 month extension, £400,000.00 annually (excl VAT)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85140000 - Miscellaneous health services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The Key risks associated with the Health Protection Partnership Team include potential capacity pressures during outbreaks, financial uncertainty from future funding changes, data governance challenges, and reliance on key personnel. There is also a risk of misalignment with changing national health protection priorities or delays in coordination across multiple partner organisations. These risks are mitigated through surge and cross-cover plans, annual financial monitoring, robust data sharing agreements, ongoing staff training, and regular partnership meetings with clear governance and escalation procedures. Continuous engagement with Welsh Government and Public Health Wales ensures the service remains aligned, resilient, and able to respond effectively to emerging public health needs.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
A transparency notice is required for technical and governance reasons to ensure that all data processing activities undertaken through the Health Protection Partnership Team comply with UK data protection legislation. As Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Shared Regulatory Services jointly deliver statutory health protection functions, including outbreak management and vaccination support, the notice provides clarity on the lawful basis for information sharing, roles, and responsibilities. It supports accountability, maintains compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, and strengthens public confidence in the fair and transparent use of health data across the partnership.
Supplier
Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVJL-7881-XMJT
Civic Offices, Holton Road
Barry
CF63 4RU
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1446 700111
Email: contactonevale@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Website: https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Public Health Funding
Contracting authority
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXWV-6492-CGMN
4-5 Charnwood Court,
Cardiff
CF14 3UZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Gracie Westlake
Telephone: +442921500801
Email: Gracie.westlake@wales.nhs.uk
Website: http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales