Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
St Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Contact
Gill Keane
Telephone
+44 7825054205
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKC - North East (England)
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
PSR Most Suitable Provider - Provision of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Counsellors into the North East and North Cumbria Staff Wellbeing Hub
Reference number
C397438
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85100000 - Health services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Provision of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Counsellors into the North East and North Cumbria Staff Wellbeing Hub
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £202,501
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust intend to award 1 contract to Sunderland Counselling Services under the Health Care Services Provider Selection Regime regulations using the Most Suitable Provider process.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice under the Most Suitable Provider process. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. Following market engagement and the publication of a prior information notice we assessed the most suitable providers linking back to the key criteria.The award decision-makers selected Sunderland Counselling Service following a rigorous evaluation process against the published criteria. The provider demonstrated exceptional capability and alignment with the key requirements, which informed the panel’s decision:
• Quality of Service: The provider presented a comprehensive approach with proven methodologies, ensuring high standards of delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Value for Money: Their proposal offered competitive pricing while maintaining quality, representing the most economically advantageous option.
• Experience and Expertise: The provider’s track record in delivering similar projects, supported by strong references and case studies, gave the panel confidence in their ability to perform.
Based on these factors, the decision-makers concluded that Sunderland Counselling Service offered the strongest overall proposal, balancing quality and cost-effectiveness. Their selection reflects the provider’s ability to deliver the required outcomes while adding long-term value to the project.
The result was that
we had a clear most suitable provider as per this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period which ends midnight on 5/12/2025. Decision makers: gill.keane@cntw.nhs.uk; Paul.batey@ntw.nhs.uk; richard.lloyd@cntw.nhs.uk; richard.duggins@cntw.nhs.uk
We can confirm that there are no conflicts of interests with regards to the decision makers. The commitment is for a 1 year contract with an annual value of £202,501.
This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
Following PSR Most Suitable provider process
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 November 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Sunderland Counselling Service
51 John Street Sunderland SR11QN
Sunderland
SR11QN
office@sunderlandcounselling.org.uk
Telephone
+44 1915147007
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKC - North East (England)
National registration number
03315039
Internet address
www.sunderlandcounselling.org.uk
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £202,501
Total value of the contract/lot: £202,501
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
NTW Solutions Limited
Arran House, St Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.ntwsolutions.co.uk
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
Independent Choice and Procurement Panel.
Wellington House
London
SE1 8UG
Country
United Kingdom