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Direct Payment Support Services (AACC)

NHS SUSSEX INTEGRATED CARE BOARD

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

20 Mar 2026 at 14:21

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

15 Dec 2025 at 10:15

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

01 Dec 2025 at 16:34

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board has awarded a contract titled "Direct Payment Support Services (AACC)" to Independent Lives (Disability). This procurement falls under the industry category of business services, which includes law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, and security services. The contract commenced on 13th February 2026 and is set to end on 31st March 2027, though it may be extended until March 2028. The procurement method employed was a direct award due to extreme and unavoidable urgency, ensuring continuity of essential services across Sussex. The contracting process was initiated under the tender stage and is already in the award phase, with a contract value of £303,061.62 (excluding VAT). The procurement covers delivery within the UK, specifically the UKJ2 region.

Given the scope of services required, this tender offers substantial business growth opportunities for companies experienced in providing person-centred support services. Potential suppliers that can provide guidance on managing direct payments, legal and employment advice, and compliant recruitment practices are encouraged to engage. Organizations specialising in payroll, insurance, and PA training will find this contract particularly aligned with their expertise. SMEs and VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises) active within the public health sphere could be well-suited for future opportunities, as the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board aims to ensure flexible and accessible service provision, enhancing recruitment platforms and collaborating in local policy developments.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Direct Payment Support Services (AACC)

Notice Description

This contract provides person-centred support to individuals managing Direct Payments or Personal Health Budgets for employing Personal Assistants (PA). Services include tailored guidance, budgeting assistance, legal and employment advice, and provision of customisable templates such as contracts and job descriptions. Ensuring data protection compliance and promotes safe recruitment practices, including DBS checks and eligibility verification. To support PA training, dispute resolution, and access to additional services like payroll and insurance. It facilitates recruitment through its PA Pages platform and works collaboratively to shape local policy. The service is to be flexible, accessible, and committed to continuous improvement and innovation in Direct Payment support.

Procurement Information

Extreme and unavoidable urgency. To ensure continuity of essential services-including access to funds, payroll, employment support, and mandatory PA training-a full procurement exercise is not feasible within the limited timeframe available. The ICB proposes engaging Independent Lives under a temporary arrangement to take on clients and expand coverage across Sussex. This service was expanded from West Sussex to include new clients from East Sussex and Brighton and Hove areas from 1 October 25. This interim solution will remain in place for 26 months, allowing time to align service specifications, complete market engagement, and respond to strategic changes including the merger of Surrey and Sussex ICBs. This waiver is necessary to maintain service continuity, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities during a period of transition and strategic review.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ec4a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025825-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£303,061 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£303,061 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Mar 20265 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
12 Nov 20259 months ago
Contract Period
13 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 1-2 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
NHS SUSSEX INTEGRATED CARE BOARD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LEWES
Postcode
BN7 2FZ
Postcode Area
Brighton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ22 East Sussex CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Lewes
Electoral Ward
Lewes Bridge
Westminster Constituency
Lewes

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Independent Lives (Disability)

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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