Hampshire County Council

The Castle, High Street

Winchester

SO238UJ

UK

Contact person: Chloe Wells

E-mail: AHCProcurement@hants.gov.uk

NUTS: UKJ36

Internet address(es)

Main address: https://hants.gov.uk/

II.1.1) Title

Reference number: AS28601

II.1.2) Main CPV code

85121270

II.1.3) Type of contract

Services

II.1.4) Short description

Hampshire Council is seeking a provider via the Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 to embed smoking cessation into talking therapies.

Description of Service and Initiative:

OHID has allocated funding to local authorities in England through the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant (LSSSSG). The grant aims to strengthen smoking cessation services in Hampshire, increase quit attempts, and support the government's ambition for a smoke-free generation. It focuses on expanding access to evidence-based behavioural support and targeting groups with higher smoking rates to reduce health inequalities.

Smoking is strongly linked to anxiety and depression, with higher smoking rates among people with mental health conditions. While smoking harms physical health, it also worsens mental health outcomes. Evidence shows quitting smoking can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the potential role of talking therapies in both smoking cessation. Evidence demonstrates that talking therapies and counselling significantly increase long-term quit rates.

Hampshire Council is seeking a suitable provider of NHS Talking Therapy services to embed smoking cessation offer into established services in Hampshire. The talking therapy services offered must free at the point of access with the provider able to embed Very Brief Advice into its talking therapy service. It must employ a clinical psychologist who is able to provide oversight and leadership to the programme. The activity will possibly include developing training materials and training staff, embedding Very Brief Advice into talking therapy services and offering online webinars.

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Intention to Award Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 or Public Contract Regulations 2015 do not apply to this contract.

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

II.1.7) Total value of the procurement

Value excluding VAT: 120 000.00  GBP

IV.1.1) Type of procedure

Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition

Justification for selected award procedure:

The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the Directive

Explanation

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract 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 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 00:00 on 26th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Sterne 7

Tatchbury Mount, Calmore

SO40 2RZ

UK

NUTS: UKJ3

The contractor is an SME: No

NORTH HAMPSHIRE URGENT CARE LIMITED

IP29835R

Frimley Park Hospital

Portsmouth Rd, Camberley

GU16 7UJ

UK

NUTS: UKJ3

The contractor is an SME: No

VI.4.1) Review body