II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKE
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Trust is seeking to engage qualified, accredited, and experienced counselling providers to deliver confidential, evidence‑based therapeutic support to our workforce. Services must be delivered in line with NHS standards, the service specification, and professional ethical frameworks.
We invite expressions of interest from providers who can meet and will be assessed against the following criteria to submit information through to: hnf-tr.contracting@nhs.net by the 12/03/2026.
1. Quality and Innovation - 40%
Professional Accreditation BACP, BABCP, UKCP or equivalent.
Diploma‑level training or above, BACP accreditation in progress (if agreed).
Clinical Experience - Minimum 500 hours supervised practice.
Experience in employee counselling and/or NHS workforce .
Ability to deliver short‑term therapy within the 1 + 5 model.
Use of recognised modalities (Integrative, CBT, Humanistic, Psychodynamic).
Suitability of approach to individual client needs.
Clear clinical supervision and CPD arrangements.
Evidence of safeguarding competence.
Valid DBS Certificate.
Public Liability Insurance and relevant Professional Liability Insurance.
2. Value - 15%
Hourly/session cost vs. quality.
Efficiency of the "1 + 5" delivery model.
Demonstrated impact through CORE outcomes.
Cost transparency in billing and reporting.
Avoidance of unnecessary extensions or additional sessions.
3. Integration, collaboration and service sustainability - 15%
Communication mechanisms with OH.
Framework of safe, supervised practice.
Responsiveness to risk, safeguarding and OH consultation.
Clear record keeping (GDPR and BACP compliant).
Monthly reporting (activity, statistical returns).
Responsible handling of complaints and feedback.
4. Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice - 15%
Communication mechanisms with OH.
Framework of safe, supervised practice.
Responsiveness to risk, safeguarding and OH consultation.
Clear record keeping (GDPR and BACP compliant).
Monthly reporting (activity, statistical returns).
Responsible handling of complaints and feedback.
5. Social Value - 15%
Contribution to staff wellbeing & mental health resilience.
Provider commitment to local employment.
Environmental/sustainability commitments.
Equality, diversity and inclusion policies.
Basic Criteria:
Must hold Professional Accreditation BACP, BABCP, UKCP or equivalent.
Up‑to‑date Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability insurance - evidence of cover must be provided and maintained throughout the contract.
Attend supervision with suitability qualified supervisor / supervision group to a minimum of 1 ½ hours per month - including supervisors details.
Continuing Professional Development to the level required by your registering body.
Offer appointments to clients within 15 working days of receiving the referral.
Maintain client records and storage to professional standard of confidentiality and security, with clear and appropriate data retention and disposal protocols.
Secure systems for storing clinical notes.
Contingency arrangements for missed appointments.
Provide safe, private and fit for purpose rooms from counselling - a description of each counselling room - including address and photographs of the rooms to be provided.
Clear contingency arrangements must be in place to contact clients if a counsellor is unexpectedly unable to attend, and clients must be informed of this process at initial contact.
Evidence of robust safeguarding and escalation procedures.