Scope
Reference
C408287
Description
The Department of Health and Social Care seeks to commission an external partner with to deliver emotional and psychological support to Leeds families involved in the independent inquiry into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHT or "Leeds").
This will be integral to the inquiry to ensure individuals engage safely and limit the risks of developing psychological injuries.
The Supplier shall provide emotional and psychological support to all families whose cases are being reviewed as part of the Leeds inquiry. Anyone within the family should be able to access the service, including parents/partners, siblings, and extended family. It is desirable that the appointed supplier possesses proven expertise in supporting individuals and families affected by birth, pregnancy and bereavement issues.
The fully managed psychological support service shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
A first point of contact for any trauma-related and psychological concerns, queries, or request for support by the inquiry team.
Emotional support (individual or group sessions) to offer remote and in-person support, guidance, and emotional containment for individuals involved in inquiry activities.
Psychological support to individuals whose cases are being reviewed who may require enhanced / specialist psychological support. This may include:
An assessment of individuals' needs and risks (this will usually be with a Wellbeing Navigator in the first instance)
Support and assistance with navigating options, including available interventions and therapies, and/or referrals to external services and support in accessing local resource networks
Evidence-based counselling and psychological therapies (such as EMDR and CBT)
The service will be carried out both remotely (telephone/video support calls) and face-to-face (Leeds).
The value of the contract is £1,500,000 excluding VAT and 1,800,000 excluding VAT.
Term of the contract: An initial term of thirty-six months (36) months, with the option to extend for one or more further periods up to a maximum of six (6) months
Total value (estimated)
- £1,500,000 excluding VAT
- £1,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 April 2026 to 30 April 2029
- Possible extension to 31 October 2029
- 3 years, 6 months, 17 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85312320 - Counselling services
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85312300 - Guidance and counselling services
Contract locations
- UKE42 - Leeds
Engagement
Engagement deadline
7 January 2026
Engagement process description
This is not a call for competition, but an opportunity to gather feedback to better understand market capabilities, refine the procurement strategy, and encourage supplier engagement.
Interested parties can access the relevant documents via the Atamis system at https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome using the contract reference. Suppliers may also submit the completed questionnaire through Atamis but must be registered on the system to do so. Alternatively, questionnaires can be submitted by email to ccsinbox@dhsc.gov.uk quoting "Trauma Support Service for the Local Review Maternity Units -LEEDS" no later than 07/01/2026 at 5pm
We are sharing the draft specifications, proposed procurement approach, draft contract and timetable with the market to invite feedback from potential bidders.
The objective of the preliminary market engagement is:
Understanding market capability
Improving Procurement Strategy and Specification Development
Identify any barriers
Encouraging Supplier Participation and Competition
The input by suppliers may help shape the final approach and procurement strategy. A questionnaire is also available for suppliers to complete, allowing them to provide comments and raise any additional questions.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
23 January 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Department of Health & Social Care
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQG-9965-CHZR
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU
United Kingdom
Contact name: Victoria McLaren
Telephone: 07779008024
Email: victoria.mclaren@dhsc.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government