Scope
Description
Chelmsford City Council has a statutory duty to provide building control services within its geographical area. Due to a national shortage of qualified building control inspectors, the council has been unable to recruit permanently to this role despite repeated attempts.
To prevent a breakdown in statutory service delivery, the council previously awarded a 6-month temporary contract to Sarto Thomas to provide a Building Control Manager. This contract is due to expire, and recruitment efforts remain unsuccessful. The Council has undertaken a direct award for a further 12 month contract to ensure continuity of services.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £192,000 excluding VAT
- £230,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
16 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 29 December 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 January 2026 to 30 January 2027
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79620000 - Supply services of personnel including temporary staff
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Supplier
Sarto Thomas
- Companies House: 13657240
Sarto Thomas Ltd 2nd Floor, 1635 Parkway
Whiteley, Hampshire,
PO15 7AH
United Kingdom
Email: info@sartothomas.com
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Chelmsford City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYRZ-1467-WNJW
Civic Centre
Chelmsford
CM1 1JE
United Kingdom
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government