Published date: 13 June 2018

Awarded contract - This means that the contract has been awarded to a supplier.


Closing: 13 March 2018

Contract summary

Industry

  • Public relations management services - 79416100

Location of contract

Any region

Value of contract

£225,000

Procurement reference

tender_163634/681453

Published date

13 June 2018

Closing date

13 March 2018

Contract start date

19 July 2018

Contract end date

19 July 2021

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Restricted procedure

A two-stage procedure, where the first stage is used to select suppliers, who are then invited to bid in the second stage.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

The Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) is the independent expert on NHS service change. The Panel was created in 2003 as an advisory non-departmental public body to provide ministers with independent expert advice on disputed NHS service changes, referred to them for decision by local authorities exercising powers of health scrutiny. It also offers informal support and generic advice to the NHS, local authorities and other interested bodies involved in NHS service reconfiguration. The Panel comprises a Chairman and 15 members and is supported in its work by a secretariat.

On receipt of a commission for formal advice from the Secretary of State for Health, the IRP conducts a comprehensive and transparent review in a form akin to public enquiry with open communication to local people, media and interested parties, visits to local services and oral evidence sessions. The advice is produced in a report to the Secretary of State which he uses to inform his final decision. The reports are published in full by the IRP.

The nature of its work puts the IRP firmly in the gaze of the media with whom it must work to protect, sustain and enhance its reputation at all times. The service being tendered will provide the necessary operational capacity and capability as required to achieve this objective and support the work of the Panel in advising Ministers.

Operating at arms-length from the Department of Health and the Secretary of State is critical to being independent. The option of using DH media and communications services is not appropriate.

Quality service provision will demonstrate understanding of the NHS and related organisations, including local government and the DH. Whilst there are some specific ongoing requirements, the volume and timing of the Panel's work is unpredictable, requiring mobilisation of resource as and when required.

The contract model for this service is an activity, time and materials schedule.

Award information

Awarded date

19 April 2018

Contract start date

19 July 2018

Contract end date

19 July 2021

Total value of contract

£225,000

This contract was awarded to 1 supplier.

Grayling Communications LTD

Address

Holborn Gate, 26 Southampton Buildings, WC2A 1AN

Reference

None

Supplier is SME?

No

Supplier is VCSE?

No

About the buyer

Address

Quarry House, Quarry Hill
Leeds
LS2 7UE
England

Email

Alexander.Baker@DH.gsi.gov.uk