Award

Independent Scrutineer of Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP)

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

18 Dec 2025 at 09:48

Tender

28 Jul 2025 at 09:49

Summary of the contracting process

Northumberland County Council has completed the procurement process for the role of Independent Scrutineer for the Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP). This initiative, classified under the CPV categories of administrative and health and social work services, took place primarily in the UKC21 region, focusing on Morpeth, United Kingdom. Initiated through an open competition procurement method below threshold, tenders were invited until 1st August 2025. "Better Together Safeguarding Services" has been awarded the contract, active from 1st November 2025 to 31st October 2027, with options for renewal up to 2029.

This procurement provides valuable growth opportunities for businesses capable of delivering specialised administrative and social work services, particularly those that can independently scrutinise and challenge safeguarding practices. SMEs with expertise in ensuring multi-agency cooperation and inclusion of voices in safeguarding decision-making are well-placed to compete. With a focus on quality over cost (80% to 20% respectively), this contract is suited for companies prioritising high-quality service in safeguarding roles.

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Notice Title

Independent Scrutineer of Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP)

Notice Description

Northumberland County Council would like to commission a provider to undertake the role of Independent Scrutineer of the Northumberland Children and Adults Safeguarding Partnership (NCASP). This is a mandatory role. This provider must be able to provide independent scrutiny and rigorous constructive challenge to support the Statutory Safeguarding Partners and Relevant Agencies to fulfil their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with needs for care and support. The role includes providing assurance regarding the effectiveness of local multi-agency arrangements in Northumberland with a particular focus on practice and supporting inclusion of the voice of children and adults in decision making and assurance. The NCASP Executive group, Business groups and subgroups meet at quarterly schedules, and the Independent Scrutineer will be required to provide scrutiny and challenge across the Partnership, hold partners to account, and have an independent view of effectiveness of both children and adults safeguarding arrangements.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0566c7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084165-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

75120000 - Administrative services of agencies

85000000 - Health and social work services

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£60,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Oct 20253 months ago
Contract Period
1 Nov 2025 - 31 Oct 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Rosie Cross
Contact Email
rosie.cross@northumberland.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MORPETH
Postcode
NE61 2EF
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC42 Northumberland
Delivery Location
TLC21 Northumberland

Local Authority
Northumberland
Electoral Ward
Morpeth Kirkhill
Westminster Constituency
North Northumberland

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BETTER TOGETHER SAFEGUARDING SERVICES

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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