Provision of an 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, excluding VAT)

125000 GBP to 125000GBP

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

Procedure type

Open procedure

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Trade agreements

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

CPV classifications

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

Delivery regions

• UKL - Wales

Lot value (estimated)

125000 GBP Excluding VAT

150000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

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

Description of extensions

The contract will initially run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 with a possibility of being extended for up to a further 24 months, up to a total period of 60 months

Participation

Award criteria

Payment terms

Invoices should be submitted to finance@socialcare.wales

Description of risks to contract performance

Please see specification for KPIs

Tender submission deadline

22 December 2025, 12:00PM

Enquiry deadline

15 December 2025, 12:00PM

Date of award of contract

09 February 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• Welsh