Contract award notice
Results of the procurement procedure
Section I: Contracting
entity
I.1) Name and addresses
CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL PARTNERSHIP NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Countess of Chester, Health Park, Liverpool Road
Chester
CH21BQ
UK
E-mail: cwp.contracts@nhs.net
NUTS: UKD63
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Section 136 Observations
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85100000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The provider delivers a dedicated Section 136 Observation Service supporting individuals detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. The service provides:
• Safe and compliant observation
• 24/7 staffing cover where required
• Close working with Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), Section 12 doctors, police, and acute trusts
• The service operates in accordance with the Mental Health Act 1983
The provider maintains clinical governance arrangements, including:
• Observation protocols aligned with national guidance
• Appropriate risk assessment protocols
• Escalation pathways
The provider complies with the Mental Health Act 1983 and Code of Practice and is CQC registered and integrated within local crisis pathways.
The workforce is trained in:
• delivering the Section 136 Observation Service
• crisis management
• prevention and management of violence and aggression (PMVA)
• trauma-informed care
• safeguarding (adult and child where applicable)
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.1.7) Total value of the procurement
Value excluding VAT:
341 721.32
GBP
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UK
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Section 136 observation support model is designed to provide safe, responsive and person-centred care while enabling clinical teams to focus on assessment and treatment
The provider delivers a dedicated Section 136 Observation Service supporting individuals detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. The service provides:
• Safe and compliant observation
• 24/7 staffing cover where required
• Close working with Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), Section 12 doctors, police, and acute trusts
• The service operates in accordance with the Mental Health Act 1983
Over the coming months the service will be formally evaluated and future delivery model considered. Therefore, there is a need to extend this contract so there is no break in service for patients and avoid adding pressure on the emergency healthcare system.
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 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 31st March 2026 to cwp.contracts@nhs.net.
This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.
There has been no substantial change to the nature or cost of the service delivered.
The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard with the weighting 100
Value of the Contract - £341,721.32
The Service is intended to be provided; 01/04/26 to 31/07/26
II.2.5) Award criteria
Cost criterion: The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard
/ Weighting: 100
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition
Justification for selected award procedure:
New works/services, constituting a repetition of existing works/services and ordered in accordance with the strict conditions stated in 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 the relevant authority by 31st March 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
Section V: Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded:
Yes
V.2 Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
18/02/2026
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators:
No
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
INDEPENDENCE SUPPORT LTD
10643283
Gloucestershire
UK
NUTS: UK
Internet address(es)
URL: https://www.isl-org.uk/
The contractor is an SME:
No
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot:
: 341 721.32
GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel
London
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
19/03/2026