Scope
Reference
DACPP-01835 EXP/2161
Description
Student Counselling Services as follows:
1 .A 24-hour staffed telephone helpline for student self-referrals and/or direct referrals from Student Wellbeing staff.
2. Counselling via face to face, telephone and video sessions (per student preference).
3. Online self-help hub for students
4. Crisis intervention/Group counselling for students
Contract 1. Student Counselling Services
Supplier
Contract value
- £248,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 19 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
- 11 months, 13 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
This Direct Award (DAC) to a single supplier is being requested to ensure service coverage and allow Student Wellbeing and Employee Wellbeing teams to align their contract timeframes in consideration of a future joint bid for counselling services for students and staff. There will be a new Procurement exercise in collaboration with the Employee Wellbeing team to align our offer and seek best quality service and value for the University.
Schedule 5, Paragraph 13 and 14 applies: (13) (a) Where the goods, services or works to be supplied under the public contract are strictly necessary for reasons of extreme and unavoidable urgency.
Supplier
Lena by Inspire
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRQB-4428-VNHT
- Companies House: NI038960
Lombard House
10-20 Lombard Street
BT1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Student Counselling Services
Contracting authority
The University of Ulster
- Companies House: RC000726
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDLT-6268-MWZV
Finance Office Coleraine
Coleraine, County Londonderry
BT52 1SA
United Kingdom
Email: procurement_enquiries@ulster.ac.uk
Website: http://www.ulster.ac.uk
Region: UKN0C - Causeway Coast and Glens
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland