Planning

KMPT, KCHFT & DGT Confidential Staff Liaison and Freedom To Speak Up Service - Pre-Market Engagement

KENT AND MEDWAY NHS AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP TRUST

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

29 Aug 2025 at 15:41

Planning

28 Aug 2025 at 15:28

Summary of the contracting process

Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, in collaboration with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, is currently in the planning stage of a public procurement process. This initiative focuses on a Confidential Staff Liaison and Freedom to Speak Up Service, which falls under the category of business and management consultancy, guidance and counselling services, and human resources management consultancy. The service will be provided in the United Kingdom, specifically in the regions of Maidstone, Dartford, and Ashford. The pre-market engagement phase is scheduled to culminate with a virtual presentation on 5th September 2025, where potential providers will have an opportunity to understand the Trusts' objectives and timelines further. Communication regarding future notices will take place by 22nd September 2025.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in consultancy and human resources services to engage in a multi-Trust procurement effort. Given the emphasis on collaboration and scalability, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), are particularly well-suited to compete. The potential contract period is set to commence on 9th March 2026 and may extend until March 2031, offering a long-term engagement with a gross value just over £2 million. This procurement seeks to foster innovation in delivery models and risk management strategies while providing substantial opportunities for cost efficiencies and savings for successful bidders.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

KMPT, KCHFT & DGT Confidential Staff Liaison and Freedom To Speak Up Service - Pre-Market Engagement

Notice Description

Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, in collaboration with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, is initiating a market engagement exercise ahead of a formal procurement process for the provision of a Confidential Staff Liaison and Freedom to Speak Up Service. The proposed service is intended to offer independent and confidential support for staff who wish to raise concerns, while also providing guidance for managers in resolving issues and promoting a safe and inclusive working environment. The service model will be designed to be flexible and scalable, ensuring it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each participating Trust, taking into account variations in workforce size, organisational structure, and existing support arrangements. Through this pre-market engagement, the Trusts aim to gain a clearer understanding of current market conditions and the level of interest in the opportunity. They are seeking valuable input from potential suppliers to help shape the procurement strategy, with particular interest in identifying potential challenges and risks, exploring any alternative delivery models, evaluating effective contractual terms, and assessing supplier capacity to deliver efficiencies and realise savings. The information provided in this notice regarding the future procurement process (including indicative contract value, structure, and anticipated timeframes) is provisional and subject to change. Final details may be revised following the outcome of this market engagement exercise. Further information about the engagement process, including how to participate, is outlined further below.

Planning Information

This engagement is intended to gather valuable feedback from potential providers to help shape the Trusts’ procurement strategy. In particular, the Trusts are seeking insights into viable delivery models, approaches to risk mitigation, appropriate contract structures, and the scalability of services across multiple organisations. The exercise also aims to assess the level of market interest and the capacity of providers to deliver a collaborative, multi-Trust solution, while exploring opportunities for achieving efficiencies and cost savings through a joint procurement approach. Providers who express an interest will be invited to complete a structured questionnaire to share their insights, capabilities, and recommendations. They will also be invited to attend a virtual market engagement presentation at 14:00 on Friday 5th September 2025, during which the Trusts will outline their objectives, anticipated timelines, and expectations for both the procurement process and the future service. Suppliers wishing to participate are invited to contact Jake Fisher, Procurement and Contracts Manager, via email at kmpt.procurement@nhs.net Upon registration of interest, further details (including the questionnaire and presentation invitation) will be provided.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058fbe
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/052599-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services

79414000 - Human resources management consultancy services

79633000 - Staff development services

85312300 - Guidance and counselling services

85312310 - Guidance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,674,790 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Aug 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
22 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
9 Mar 2026 - 8 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
KENT AND MEDWAY NHS AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP TRUST
Additional Buyers

DARTFORD AND GRAVESHAM NHS TRUST

KENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Contact Name
Jake Fisher
Contact Email
dgt.procurementhelpdesk@nhs.net, kmpt.procurement@nhs.net
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MAIDSTONE
Postcode
ME16 9QQ
Post Town
Rochester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ45 Mid Kent
Delivery Location
TLJ4 Kent

Local Authority
Ashford
Electoral Ward
Goat Lees
Westminster Constituency
Ashford

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-058fbe-2025-08-29T16:41:13+01:00",
    "date": "2025-08-29T16:41:13+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-058fbe",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PNZR-1968-PDPD",
            "name": "Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PNZR-1968-PDPD"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Farm Villa, Hermitage Lane",
                "locality": "Maidstone",
                "postalCode": "ME16 9QQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ45"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Jake Fisher",
                "email": "kmpt.procurement@nhs.net"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PWRB-2618-VVJG",
            "name": "Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PWRB-2618-VVJG"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Darent Valley Hospital Darenth Wood Road",
                "locality": "Dartford",
                "postalCode": "DA2 8DA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "dgt.procurementhelpdesk@nhs.net"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.dvh.nhs.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PHVC-1716-LBDJ",
            "name": "Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PHVC-1716-LBDJ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Trinity House, 110 - 120 Upper Pemberton,",
                "locality": "Ashford",
                "postalCode": "TN25 4AZ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ45"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "kmpt.procurement@nhs.net"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PNZR-1968-PDPD",
        "name": "Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "This engagement is intended to gather valuable feedback from potential providers to help shape the Trusts' procurement strategy. In particular, the Trusts are seeking insights into viable delivery models, approaches to risk mitigation, appropriate contract structures, and the scalability of services across multiple organisations. The exercise also aims to assess the level of market interest and the capacity of providers to deliver a collaborative, multi-Trust solution, while exploring opportunities for achieving efficiencies and cost savings through a joint procurement approach. Providers who express an interest will be invited to complete a structured questionnaire to share their insights, capabilities, and recommendations. They will also be invited to attend a virtual market engagement presentation at 14:00 on Friday 5th September 2025, during which the Trusts will outline their objectives, anticipated timelines, and expectations for both the procurement process and the future service. Suppliers wishing to participate are invited to contact Jake Fisher, Procurement and Contracts Manager, via email at kmpt.procurement@nhs.net Upon registration of interest, further details (including the questionnaire and presentation invitation) will be provided.",
                "dueDate": "2025-09-05T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "052151-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/052151-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-08-28T16:28:19+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "052599-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/052599-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-08-29T16:41:13+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-058fbe",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "KMPT, KCHFT & DGT Confidential Staff Liaison and Freedom To Speak Up Service - Pre-Market Engagement",
        "description": "Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, in collaboration with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, is initiating a market engagement exercise ahead of a formal procurement process for the provision of a Confidential Staff Liaison and Freedom to Speak Up Service. The proposed service is intended to offer independent and confidential support for staff who wish to raise concerns, while also providing guidance for managers in resolving issues and promoting a safe and inclusive working environment. The service model will be designed to be flexible and scalable, ensuring it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each participating Trust, taking into account variations in workforce size, organisational structure, and existing support arrangements. Through this pre-market engagement, the Trusts aim to gain a clearer understanding of current market conditions and the level of interest in the opportunity. They are seeking valuable input from potential suppliers to help shape the procurement strategy, with particular interest in identifying potential challenges and risks, exploring any alternative delivery models, evaluating effective contractual terms, and assessing supplier capacity to deliver efficiencies and realise savings. The information provided in this notice regarding the future procurement process (including indicative contract value, structure, and anticipated timeframes) is provisional and subject to change. Final details may be revised following the outcome of this market engagement exercise. Further information about the engagement process, including how to participate, is outlined further below.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79400000",
                        "description": "Business and management consultancy and related services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85312300",
                        "description": "Guidance and counselling services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85312310",
                        "description": "Guidance services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79633000",
                        "description": "Staff development services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79414000",
                        "description": "Human resources management consultancy services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ4",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ4",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 2009748,
            "amount": 1674790,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-03-09T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-08T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-03-08T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-09-22T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "planning",
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "052599-2025",
                "description": "Reference to incorrect date for virtual market engagement presentation."
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}