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Internal Audit Specialists Framework

Essex County Council

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

18 Mar 2026 at 15:18

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

25 Nov 2025 at 20:24

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

07 Oct 2025 at 09:32

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council has conducted a procurement process to establish an Internal Audit Specialists Framework designed to bolster its existing audit function with independent, objective assurance and consulting services. The framework has been divided into four lots focusing on Contract Audits, Project and Programme Audits, Technology Specialist Audits, and General Audits. The procurement method followed was an open procedure, enabling bidders to compete for any or all of the lots. The framework is scheduled for initial implementation on 22 December 2025 and will remain active until 21 December 2028, with the possibility of extending for an additional year. This initiative aligns with the broader governmental strategy of Local Government Reorganisation, foreseen to impact Essex's government structure during the framework's tenure. The industry category centres on internal audit services, and the major locations are within the UKH3 region of the United Kingdom.

Businesses positioned in the auditing sector can leverage the opportunities presented by this framework to accelerate their growth and access new governmental markets. The framework encourages participation from SMEs, and businesses with expertise in internal audit services, project management, cybersecurity, and governance are particularly suited to apply. Given the potential for scope changes due to Local Government Reorganisation, adaptability and readiness to accommodate evolving service requirements will be critical. With multiple lots available, businesses with specialization in areas such as financial auditing, technology resilience, and governance, risk, and control frameworks can exploit these opportunities to expand their consultancy reach and establish long-term relationships with various councils across Essex. This procurement offers a structured pathway for auditing firms to contribute effectively to public sector advancements while securing valuable contracts and scaling their operations.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Internal Audit Specialists Framework

Notice Description

The scope of this requirement is to create a Framework of Internal Audit Specialists to support ECC's existing Internal Audit function in providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services for the council. It is proposed that the Framework would be procured on terms which would allow access for Unitary, City, Borough and District Councils. These Contracting Bodies will be responsible for ordering of, and payment for, their own services through this agreement. The Framework will be split into the following Lots. Lot 1 - Contract Audits Lot 2 - Project and Programme Audits Lot 3 - Technology Specialists Lot 4 - General Audits Bidders can bid for any Lot or all Lots if they can meet the requirements. Successful bidders will be placed on a ranking list which will be based on the total score awarded following the evaluation of bids received (Please refer to the Bidder Guidance for details on the evaluation process). The requirements will be met through a capability assessment process, as and when a new requirement is identified the capability assessment will be issued to the top ranked bidder in the specific Lot under which the requirement sits. Where that bidder is unable to meet the requirement, the next ranked bidder will be issued the capability assessment and so on until a bidder is chosen. Any Contracting Body using this Framework shall abide by the same process for fulfilling their requirements. The initial term of the Framework is three (3) years with an option to extend for a further period of 12months. The government's English Devolution White Paper, Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth, published on 16 December 2024, states that the government wants all remaining two-tier areas in England to be eventually restructured into single-tier unitary authorities and is termed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This reorganisation is part of a broader devolution strategy to simplify local government structures, save public funds, and improve local accountability. LGR will impact the County of Essex as it currently operates a two-tier Local Government structure. It is anticipated, that during the life of this framework, the LGR process will commence and/or progress potentially impacting this framework. Impacts may include, but are not limited to, modifications such as a transfer of the legal entity you currently contract with, significant increases and/or decreases in the services required due to the change in size/scope of the Contracting Authority, and/or changes to the scope of the nature of services required. Although any contract scope changes should broadly relate to the nature of the existing scope, new services of a related nature may be required that werenot previously included. The scale and exact timing of the changes are unknown at this point, but it is known that LGR will impact the County of Essex. All suppliers who work with the Authority need to be aware and where possible, work with the Authority to adapt to any changes/modifications as required to ensure smooth transition and continuity of services.

Lot Information

Contract Audits

These audits scrutinise third-party contracts and procurement activities to ensure value for money, compliance with terms, and effective contract management. They may include supplier performance reviews, contract lifecycle assessments, and post-award evaluations. Recommended Qualifications: * CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification. * Legal or commercial contract management certification. * Internal audit qualification with procurement audit experience. Expertise: * Deep understanding of contract lifecycle, procurement regulations, and supplier performance. * Experience in post-award audits, value-for-money assessments, and compliance reviews. * Ability to identify risks and inefficiencies in third-party arrangements.

Renewal: The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements

Project and Programme Audits

These audits evaluate the effectiveness of project and programme management practices. They assess delivery against objectives, budget control, governance structures, risk management, and benefits realisation. Suitable for capital programmes, transformation initiatives, and strategic projects. Recommended Qualifications: * PRINCE2 Practitioner or MSP (Managing Successful Programmes). * APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification. * Internal audit qualification (CIA, CMIIA) with project audit experience. Expertise: * Experience auditing large-scale programmes and transformation initiatives. * Understanding of project governance, risk management, and benefits realisation. * Ability to assess delivery against objectives, timelines, and budgets.

Renewal: The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements

Technology Specialist Audits

Focused on IT systems, digital services, cybersecurity, data governance, and infrastructure. These audits require specialist knowledge to assess risks related to system integrity, data protection, and technology resilience. They may include penetration testing, system configuration reviews, and IT project assurance. Recommended Qualifications: * Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). * ISO 27001 Lead Auditor or equivalent. * Cyber Essentials or similar accreditation. Expertise: * Proficiency in IT risk assessment, cybersecurity, and data governance. * Experience with auditing cloud platforms, infrastructure, and digital services. * Knowledge of public sector IT compliance and digital transformation.

Renewal: The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements

General Audits

These audits cover broad assurance activities across ECC's operations, including governance, risk management, and internal controls. They assess compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations, and provide recommendations for improvement. Typical areas may include Finance, HR, and operational processes. Recommended Qualifications: * Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA) qualification or equivalent. * ACCA, CIPFA, or ICAEW membership with internal audit experience. * Demonstrable experience in public sector internal auditing. Expertise: * Strong understanding of governance, risk, and control frameworks. * Experience auditing core business functions (e.g., finance, HR, procurement). * Ability to produce clear, evidence-based audit reports and recommendations.

Renewal: The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council and any subsequent authority depending on audit requirements

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a92c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024739-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79212100 - Financial auditing services

79212200 - Internal audit services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£475,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£475,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£118,750 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£118,750 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Mar 20265 months ago
Submission Deadline
6 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
24 Nov 20259 months ago
Contract Period
22 Dec 2025 - 21 Dec 2028 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Essex County Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Postcode Area
Chelmsford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
TLH3 Essex
Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
21
Supplier Names

AG PROJECT GROUP LTD

AGILE PROJECT DELIVERY LTD

ATHENA P3M LTD

BDO LLP

C-F BUSINESS LINKS LIMITED

CPP ADVISORY LLP

FORVIS MAZARS LLP

HW CONTROLS & ASSURANCE LIMITED

LITTLECHILD & HALEY LTD

MENZIES LLP

MHA AUDIT SERVICES LLP

ONE EIGHTY ADVISORY LIMITED

PGI - PROTECTION GROUP INTERNATIONAL LTD.

PRINCIPLE DEFENCE LTD

SHARP CONTRACT & SURVEYING LTD

SOUTH WEST AUDIT PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

SYSTRA LIMITED

THAMESVIEW SOLUTIONS LIMITED

TIAA LTD

TICKBOX SOLUTIONS LIMITED

VINULA CONSULTING LTD

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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