Provision of Internal Audit Service

Procurement description

Social Care Wales is inviting tenders from experienced internal audit providers to deliver high-quality, independent assurance and advisory services.

As part of our governance arrangements and Board Assurance Framework, internal audit plays a vital role in evaluating the effectiveness of our financial and operational controls, risk management, and compliance. We operate within a robust governance model aligned with the three lines of defence, and our internal audit function is essential to supporting the Accounting Officer in fulfilling their responsibilities, including the preparation of the annual Governance Statement.

The successful supplier will be expected to demonstrate full compliance with the latest professional standards, including the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), and the IIA’s Code of Ethics. We require a service that is not only technically proficient but also collaborative, with strong communication and reporting practices. The internal audit programme will cover a wide range of organisational activities, from governance and financial controls to workforce regulation and environmental responsibilities, ensuring comprehensive coverage and strategic insight.

We are committed to continuous improvement and value for money and expect our internal audit partner to support us in achieving these goals. This includes delivering a risk-based audit plan, maintaining a robust Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP), and providing timely, actionable reports. Suppliers must also be able to operate effectively in a hybrid working environment and support our bilingual ethos in line with Welsh Language Standards. Through this pre-engagement session, we aim to foster a shared understanding of expectations and encourage innovative approaches to delivering assurance that aligns with our strategic priorities.

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKL - Wales

Total value (estimated)

125000 GBP Excluding VAT

150000 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

01 April 2026, 00:00AM to 31 March 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 March 2031

Social Care Wales

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 79212200 - Internal audit services
• 79212000 - Auditing services
• 79210000 - Accounting and auditing services
• 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services

Delivery regions

• UKL - Wales

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 April 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 March 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 March 2031, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

We will be holding one preliminary market engagement sessions via MS Teams on

Tuesday 11 November 2025, at 11:15.

The sessions will be hosted by project team:

Jo Bolton - Director of Finance, Partnerships and Corporate Services

Kate Salter - Assistant Director of Corporate Services

Emma Howells – Head of Finance

and a member of the Procurement team.

The session will begin with a presentation outlining the requirements, following which an opportunity for questions and answers will follow. The session will be recorded and uploaded against this notice on Sell2Wales.

If you are interested in joining a preliminary market engagement session, please email procurement@socialcare.wales advising the tender title and desired session date/time.

Following the sessions the Sell2Wales question and answer portal will be live for a following 2 working days up until 17:00 on Thursday 13 November 2025.

Due date

13 November 2025, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

24 November 2025