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Provision of Internal Audit Services

Arts University Bournemouth

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

08 Oct 2026 at 12:57

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Arts University Bournemouth is procuring a fully outsourced internal audit service to act as the university’s internal audit function. The provider will give independent assurance to the Board of Governors and Audit & Risk Committee on governance, risk management, internal controls and value for money. Work includes appointing a named Head of Internal Audit, developing a risk-based strategy and annual plan, conducting audit reviews, reporting findings, tracking management actions and giving an annual Head of Internal Audit Opinion. The provider may also undertake investigations and advisory work where independence is maintained, and coordinate with external auditors and other assurance providers. Specialist support may be needed across areas including cyber security, data analytics, procurement, estates and capital projects. The buyer is Arts University Bournemouth; delivery is in the United Kingdom.

The buyer invited offers through a two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. Suppliers first complete a Conditions of Participation / Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ); those meeting the requirements may be shortlisted for the Invitation to Tender stage. PSQ clarification questions were due by 21 October 2026, and PSQ responses by 12 noon UK time on 4 November 2026, submitted electronically through the MyTenders portal. The PSQ is assessed pass/fail; the stated 30% commercial, 40% technical and 30% presentation weightings apply at ITT, with presentations for the top four bidders. The estimated value is £302,000 including VAT (£251,666.67 excluding VAT). The initial contract runs from 1 August 2027 to 31 July 2030, with two possible 12-month extensions, up to 31 July 2032.

The requirement suits internal audit firms able to provide an independent, fully outsourced function and maintain objectivity throughout the engagement. The proposed Head of Internal Audit must be suitably qualified and experienced, with demonstrable higher education experience. Suppliers need to comply with the Global Internal Audit Standards and the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors Code of Ethics, and show a satisfactory External Quality Assessment within the applicable review cycle. The buyer requires at least three references for outsourced internal audit services delivered to UK higher education institutions in the previous three years. Bidders must demonstrate appropriate financial standing, audited accounts for the previous three completed financial years, and required professional indemnity, public liability, employers’ liability and cyber liability insurance. They must meet UK data protection and information security requirements, support Audit & Risk Committee meetings, manage conflicts of interest, and provide suitably qualified specialist resources. SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises are identified as suitable.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Internal Audit Services

Notice Description

Arts University Bournemouth wishes to appoint a suitably qualified and independent provider to deliver a fully outsourced Internal Audit Service. The appointed provider will act as the University's Internal Audit function and provide independent assurance to the Board of Governors and Audit & Risk Committee regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal control and value-for-money arrangements. The contract will include, but not be limited to: * Provision of a named Head of Internal Audit; * Development of a risk-based Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Audit Plan; * Delivery of risk-based internal audit reviews; * Reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee and Board of Governors as required; * Follow-up and monitoring of management actions; * Provision of an annual Head of Internal Audit Opinion; * Special investigations and advisory assignments where independence can be maintained; and * Coordination with External Audit and other assurance providers. The contract is expected to commence on 1 August 2027 for an initial term of three years, with the option to extend for up to two additional periods of twelve months. This procurement is being conducted using a two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure. Stage 1 comprises a Conditions of Participation / Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Suppliers meeting the requirements of the PSQ will be invited to participate in Stage 2, the Invitation to Tender (ITT).

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The contract will be awarded for an initial term of three (3) years commencing on 1 August 2027. Arts University Bournemouth reserves the right to extend the contract by up to two (2) additional periods of twelve (12) months each, subject to satisfactory supplier performance, continued business need and the University's sole discretion. The maximum potential contract term is therefore five (5) years ending on 31 July 2032.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0783b5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/095182-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79210000 - Accounting and auditing services

79212000 - Auditing services

79212200 - Internal audit services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£251,666 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£251,666 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Oct 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Aug 2027 - 31 Jul 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Arts University Bournemouth
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DORSET
Postcode
BH12 5HH
Postcode Area
Bournemouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK63 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Delivery Location
TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Electoral Ward
Talbot & Branksome Woods
Westminster Constituency
Bournemouth West

Further Information

Notice Documents

Notice URLs

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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