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- This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Award Notice via Corrigendum. The awarding of these contracts is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks that the standstill period has expired, without Representation.
Award decision-makers: NHS Integrated Care Board - Governing Board
Conflicts of Interest: All individuals involved in the decision making process were required to complete conflicts of interest declarations in line with Regulation 21 of the PSR. Conflicts of interest declarations were received and reviewed for relevant officers, including the Director of Primary Care and the Deputy Director for Primary Care Development. No actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest relevant to these contract awards were identified. Where Declaration A was submitted, this was confirmed and recorded in the project conflicts register, which has been maintained as a live document and reviewed at key stages, including prior to publication of the transparency notice. Authorised Individuals oversaw the process, ensuring compliance with PSR requirements, appropriate separation of duties, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that any new or emerging conflicts would be declared promptly and managed proportionately.
The Commissioner has undertaken an assessment in line with the Provider Selection Regime and has determined that Direct Award Process C (DAP C) represents the most appropriate route. This reflects the fact that, while alternative providers exist in the wider primary care market, continuity of provision is considered proportionate given the stability of current services, the material risks associated with provider transition, and the importance of maintaining access and neighbourhood integration for registered patient populations.
In reaching this decision, the Commissioner applied the five key criteria on a balanced basis, with equal weighting assigned to each (20% per criterion), reflecting their collective importance in ensuring safe, effective, and sustainable primary medical services:
Quality and Innovation (20%) - Current provision is stable, with providers meeting regulatory requirements and delivering consistent quality. Opportunities for improvement are expected to be incremental and achievable within existing arrangements, rather than through provider change.
Value (20%) - Value for money is considered in terms of whole-life cost, service stability, and avoidance of unnecessary transition expenditure. Continuity is considered to represent the most proportionate and sustainable value position in the absence of material performance concerns.
Integration, Collaboration and Sustainability (20%) - Existing providers are embedded within Primary Care Networks and local systems. Maintaining these established relationships supports integrated care delivery and avoids disruption to workforce, pathways, and neighbourhood working.
Access, Inequalities and Choice (20%) - Continuity of locally based services supports equitable access and helps minimise disruption for patients, particularly those with higher needs or facing barriers to care. Provider change could risk short-term access issues or reduced practical choice.
Social Value (20%) - Current providers deliver social value through workforce development, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives. These benefits are best preserved and developed through continuity rather than transition.
Overall, the decision is based on the combined assessment that continuity with incumbent providers best meets the ICB's objectives at this time.