Scope
Reference
E005PA
Description
The scope of this requirement is to create a Framework of Internal Audit Specialists to support ECC's existing Internal Audit function in providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services for the council.
It is proposed that the Framework would be procured on terms which would allow access for Unitary, City, Borough and District Councils. These Contracting Bodies will be responsible for ordering of, and payment for, their own services through this agreement.
The Framework will be split into the following Lots.
Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Lot 4 - General Audits
Bidders can bid for any Lot or all Lots if they can meet the requirements.
Successful bidders will be placed on a ranking list which will be based on the total score awarded following the evaluation of bids received (Please refer to the Bidder Guidance for details on the evaluation process).
The requirements will be met through a capability assessment process, as and when a new requirement is identified the capability assessment will be issued to the top ranked bidder in the specific Lot under which the requirement sits. Where that bidder is unable to meet the requirement, the next ranked bidder will be issued the capability assessment and so on until a bidder is chosen.
Any Contracting Body using this Framework shall abide by the same process for fulfilling their requirements.
The initial term of the Framework is three (3) years with an option to extend for a further period of 12months.
The government's English Devolution White Paper, Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth, published on 16 December 2024, states that the government wants all remaining two-tier areas in England to be eventually restructured into single-tier unitary authorities and is termed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This reorganisation is part of a broader devolution strategy to simplify local government structures, save public funds, and improve local accountability. LGR will impact the County of Essex as it currently operates a two-tier Local Government structure.
It is anticipated, that during the life of this framework, the LGR process will commence and/or progress potentially impacting this framework. Impacts may include, but are not limited to, modifications such as a transfer of the legal entity you currently contract with, significant increases and/or decreases in the services required due to the change in size/scope of the Contracting Authority, and/or changes to the scope of the nature of services required. Although any contract scope changes should broadly relate to the nature of the existing scope, new services of a related nature may be required that were not previously included.
The scale and exact timing of the changes are unknown at this point, but it is known that LGR will impact the County of Essex. All suppliers who work with the Authority need to be aware and where possible, work with the Authority to adapt to any changes/modifications as required to ensure smooth transition and continuity of services.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Lot 1. Contract Audits
Description
These audits scrutinise third-party contracts and procurement activities to ensure value for money, compliance with terms, and effective contract management. They may include supplier performance reviews, contract lifecycle assessments, and post-award evaluations.Recommended Qualifications:• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification.• Legal or commercial contract management certification.• Internal audit qualification with procurement audit experience.Expertise:• Deep understanding of contract lifecycle, procurement regulations, and supplier performance.• Experience in post-award audits, value-for-money assessments, and compliance reviews.• Ability to identify risks and inefficiencies in third-party arrangements.
Lot 2. Project and Programme Audits
Description
These audits evaluate the effectiveness of project and programme management practices. They assess delivery against objectives, budget control, governance structures, risk management, and benefits realisation. Suitable for capital programmes, transformation initiatives, and strategic projects.Recommended Qualifications:• PRINCE2 Practitioner or MSP (Managing Successful Programmes).• APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.• Internal audit qualification (CIA, CMIIA) with project audit experience.Expertise:• Experience auditing large-scale programmes and transformation initiatives.• Understanding of project governance, risk management, and benefits realisation.• Ability to assess delivery against objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Lot 3. Technology Specialist Audits
Description
Focused on IT systems, digital services, cybersecurity, data governance, and infrastructure. These audits require specialist knowledge to assess risks related to system integrity, data protection, and technology resilience. They may include penetration testing, system configuration reviews, and IT project assurance.Recommended Qualifications:• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).• ISO 27001 Lead Auditor or equivalent.• Cyber Essentials or similar accreditation.Expertise:• Proficiency in IT risk assessment, cybersecurity, and data governance.• Experience with auditing cloud platforms, infrastructure, and digital services.• Knowledge of public sector IT compliance and digital transformation.
Lot 4. General Audits
Description
These audits cover broad assurance activities across ECC's operations, including governance, risk management, and internal controls. They assess compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations, and provide recommendations for improvement. Typical areas may include Finance, HR, and operational processes.Recommended Qualifications:• Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA) qualification or equivalent.• ACCA, CIPFA, or ICAEW membership with internal audit experience.• Demonstrable experience in public sector internal auditing.Expertise:• Strong understanding of governance, risk, and control frameworks.• Experience auditing core business functions (e.g., finance, HR, procurement).• Ability to produce clear, evidence-based audit reports and recommendations.
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Lots
Lot 1. Contract Audits
Suppliers (8)
- BDO LLP
- C-F BUSINESS LINKS LIMITED
- CPP ADVISORY LLP
- FORVIS MAZARS LLP
- HW CONTROLS & ASSURANCE LIMITED
- MENZIES LLP
- SHARP CONTRACT & SURVEYING LTD
- TIAA LTD
Contract value
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
24 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
25 November 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
15 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 21 December 2028
- Possible extension to 21 December 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Where the authority decides that services are still required.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79212200 - Internal audit services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Lots
Lot 2. Project and Programme Audits
Suppliers (14)
- AGILE PROJECT DELIVERY LTD
- ATHENA P3M LTD
- BDO LLP
- C-F BUSINESS LINKS LIMITED
- CPP ADVISORY LLP
- FORVIS MAZARS LLP
- HW CONTROLS & ASSURANCE LIMITED
- LITTLECHILD & HALEY LTD
- MENZIES LLP
- MHA AUDIT SERVICES LLP
- ONE EIGHTY ADVISORY LIMITED
- SHARP CONTRACT & SURVEYING LTD
- TIAA LTD
- TICKBOX SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Contract value
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
24 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
25 November 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
15 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 21 December 2028
- Possible extension to 21 December 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Where the Authority deems it is necessary to continue with the services
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79212100 - Financial auditing services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Lots
Lot 3. Technology Specialist Audits
Suppliers (15)
- BDO LLP
- C-F BUSINESS LINKS LIMITED
- FORVIS MAZARS LLP
- HW CONTROLS & ASSURANCE LIMITED
- LITTLECHILD & HALEY LTD
- MENZIES LLP
- MHA AUDIT SERVICES LLP
- PGI - Protection Group International Ltd
- PRINCIPLE DEFENCE LTD
- SOUTH WEST AUDIT PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
- SYSTRA LIMITED
- THAMESVIEW SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- TIAA LTD
- TICKBOX SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- VINULA CONSULTING LTD
Contract value
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
24 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
25 November 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
15 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 21 December 2028
- Possible extension to 21 December 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Where the Authority deems that there is still a requirement for these services.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79212200 - Internal audit services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
Lots
Lot 4. General Audits
Suppliers (10)
- BDO LLP
- C-F BUSINESS LINKS LIMITED
- FORVIS MAZARS LLP
- HW CONTROLS & ASSURANCE LIMITED
- LITTLECHILD & HALEY LTD
- MENZIES LLP
- MHA AUDIT SERVICES LLP
- SOUTH WEST AUDIT PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
- TIAA LTD
- TICKBOX SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Contract value
- £118,750 excluding VAT
- £142,500 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
24 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
25 November 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
15 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 21 December 2028
- Possible extension to 21 December 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Where the Authority deems it necessary to continue the services
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79212200 - Internal audit services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Information about tenders
Lot 1. Contract Audits
- 8 tenders received
- 8 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 5 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 8 suppliers awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 2. Project and Programme Audits
- 14 tenders received
- 14 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 10 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 14 suppliers awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 3. Technology Specialist Audits
- 15 tenders received
- 15 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 10 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 15 suppliers awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 4. General Audits
- 10 tenders received
- 10 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 6 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 10 suppliers awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Suppliers
AGILE PROJECT DELIVERY LTD
- Companies House: 11109878
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDCD-1449-HHRY
51a Saint Michael's Street
London
W2 1QR
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
ATHENA P3M LTD
- Companies House: 16489348
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJCD-1233-NDBZ
71 Sutton Court Road
London
W4 3EQ
United Kingdom
Email: tyler.skerton@athenap3m.com
Website: http://athenap3m.com
Region: UKI75 - Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
BDO LLP
- Companies House: OC305127
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQV-8736-WMJD
55 Baker Street
London
W1U 7EU
United Kingdom
Email: publicsectorsales@bdo.co.uk
Website: https://www.bdo.co.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
C-F BUSINESS LINKS LIMITED
- Companies House: 07524623
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMHT-2898-MTLW
25 Clarendon Road
Redhill
RH1 1QZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
CPP ADVISORY LLP
- Companies House: OC454557
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTMW-2284-WLJJ
167-169 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5PF
United Kingdom
Email: admin@cppadvisory.com
Website: http://www.cppadvisory.com
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
FORVIS MAZARS LLP
- Companies House: OC308299
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNCL-5949-VHVD
30 Old Bailey
London
EC4M 7AU
United Kingdom
Email: pstenders@mazars.co.uk
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
HW CONTROLS & ASSURANCE LIMITED
- Companies House: 08746974
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCYW-3639-LDHL
Unit 3 Crompton Court
Burntwood
WS7 3GG
United Kingdom
Email: hello@validera.co.uk
Website: http://www.validera.co.uk
Region: UKG24 - Staffordshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
LITTLECHILD & HALEY LTD
- Companies House: 16141254
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCMX-1372-MVJL
33 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9HB
United Kingdom
Email: info@littlechildhaley.co.uk
Website: https://www.littlechildhaley.co.uk/
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
MENZIES LLP
- Companies House: OC336077
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYXZ-2216-QBYH
4th Floor 95 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7AB
United Kingdom
Email: rmccarthy@menzies.co.uk
Website: http://www.menzies.co.uk
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
MHA AUDIT SERVICES LLP
- Companies House: OC455542
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYPH-3877-TBRZ
The Pinnacle
Milton Keynes
MK9 1LZ
United Kingdom
Email: webenquiries@mha.co.uk
Website: https://www.mha.co.uk
Region: UKJ12 - Milton Keynes
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
ONE EIGHTY ADVISORY LIMITED
- Companies House: 08414388
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXXG-3516-QBYM
86-90 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE
United Kingdom
Email: katie@180advisory.com
Website: http://www.180advisory.com
Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
PGI - Protection Group International Ltd
- Companies House: 07967865
13-14 Angel Gate
London
EC1V 2PT
United Kingdom
Email: Mike.tipson@pgitl.com
Region: UKI43 - Haringey and Islington
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
PRINCIPLE DEFENCE LTD
- Companies House: 13778362
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMWY-6158-BNNP
65 Knowl Piece Wilbury Way
Hitchin
SG4 0TY
United Kingdom
Email: hello@principledefence.com
Website: https://principledefence.com/
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
SHARP CONTRACT & SURVEYING LTD
- Companies House: 07087974
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXVT-2682-TCQH
21 Coverdale
Lowestoft
NR33 8TD
United Kingdom
Email: info@sharpcands.co.uk
Website: http://www.sharpcands.co.uk
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
SOUTH WEST AUDIT PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
- Companies House: 08215338
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDDT-9646-VQJM
Ground Floor, Blackbrook Gate One
Taunton
TA1 2PX
United Kingdom
Email: accounts@swapaudit.co.uk
Website: https://www.swapaudit.co.uk/
Region: UKK23 - Somerset
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
SYSTRA LIMITED
- Companies House: 03383212
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDCT-9245-NWYG
3rd Floor, 1 Carey Lane
London
EC2V 8AE
United Kingdom
Email: tenders_uk@systra.com
Website: http://www.systra.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
THAMESVIEW SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- Companies House: 06353372
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZJT-4591-MJLW
Flat 30 St Lawrence House
Reading
RG1 3AG
United Kingdom
Email: bids@thamesviewsolutions.com
Website: https://thamesviewsolutions.com/
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
TIAA LTD
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBRR-3532-NWYQ
Artillery House, Fort Fareham, Fareham, Hampshire,
Fareham
PO14 1AH
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@tiaa.co.uk
Website: http://tenders@tiaa.co.uk
Region: UKJ35 - South Hampshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Lot 1 - Contract Audits
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
TICKBOX SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- Companies House: 16565549
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJPT-8116-QHXN
Suite A, 82 James Carter Road
Mildenhall
IP28 7DE
United Kingdom
Email: audit@tickboxsolutions.co.uk
Website: http://www.tickboxsolutions.co.uk
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contract 4. Lot 4 - General Audits
VINULA CONSULTING LTD
- Companies House: 15613857
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBDH-4498-WBWG
Suite A-C, Kings House, 68 Victoria Road
Burgess Hill
RH15 9LH
United Kingdom
Email: info@vinula.co.uk
Website: http://www.vinula.co.uk
Region: UKJ28 - West Sussex (North East)
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 3. Lot 3 - Technology Specialists
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Email: andrew.beaver@essex.gov.uk
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government