---
title: "Award from Framework - Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework"
ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860.json"
source: "Public Contracts Scotland"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL"
published: "2026-02-09"
---

# Award from Framework - Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework

Buyer: EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860

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[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860.json)

## Summary

The procurement contract, initiated by East Ayrshire Council, pertains to the "Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework," focusing on services within the general public services industry category. Located in Kilmarnock (UKM93), the procurement has reached the award stage as of 9th February 2026. The contract was awarded through a limited procedure without prior publication of a call for competition. Michael Stewart SWS from Glasgow was selected as the supplier for this contract, which commenced on 3rd November 2025 and carries a value of £49,999. The framework aims to enhance local Learning Reviews related to public protection under the guidance of the Care Inspectorate and will remain valid until December 2027.

This procurement presents robust opportunities for businesses specialising in consultancy, particularly those capable of conducting thorough public protection Learning Reviews. The framework's open structure allows for the inclusion of new entrants throughout its four-year tenure, encouraging small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to partake. By providing a structured environment that supports operational and financial stability, it offers businesses the chance to engage in a vital public service, paving the way for growth in sectors focusing on public safety, consultancy, and educational services regarding community well-being.

## Notice

Award from Existing Framework (PS/23/132 - Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework)

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Award from Open Framework (PS/23/132 - Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework) CONTEXT: INDEPENDENT LEAD REVIEWERS FRAMEWORK The Scottish Government published Learning Review Guidance for public protection in 2022 and Learning Reviews are monitored, analysed and quality assured by the Care Inspectorate. Commissioning external Independent Lead Reviewers will improve the quality and efficiency of local Learning Reviews. The economic cost of harm caused in the context of child and adult protection in East Ayrshire is challenging to quantify - learning from occurrences of harm is essential to reduce the human and economic impacts for the future. Externally appointed Independent Lead Reviewers will support transparent and impartial learning and improvement actions. Commissioning through a framework arrangement supports contractual, financial and quality assurance consistency and efficiency. Development of a commissioning framework will facilitate flexibility to respond to fluctuating and unpredictable levels of demand. OBJECTIVES OF THE SERVICE Independent Lead Reviewers will: 1.Lead on all aspects of undertaking a full public protection Learning Review for a child or adult in East Ayrshire 2.Work to a Terms of Reference and timescales for the Learning Review already agreed by the Learning Review Panel 3.Chair and lead the Review Team for the duration of the Learning Review 4.Lead on multi-agency case information review activities, practitioner and manager workshops and family / carer liaison (if appropriate) 5.Deliver a Learning Review report identifying strengths, learning and areas for improvement 6.Be accountable and report to the Learning Review Panel and Chief Officer Group 7.Be supported by the relevant APC or CPC Chair and Lead Officer SERVICE DELIVERY External Independent Lead Reviewers will only be appointed once a Learning Review has been agreed through the respective Learning Review Panel, the Adult or Child Protection Committee and the Chief Officer Group in East Ayrshire. When a Learning Review has been agreed as requiring an external Independent Lead Reviewer, information about the required service will be sent to all Reviewers on the Framework. It is anticipated that there may be up to four Learning Reviews requiring Independent Lead Reviewers per year, however, this is unpredictable and demand may therefore fluctuate. It is also estimated that each Learning Review may take between 3-6 months to complete, however, depending on the complexity this may also vary. Information about individual Learning Reviews and estimated timescales will be provided at the point of commission. Independent Lead Reviewers will be contracted by East Ayrshire Council on a consultancy contract for the duration of the Learning Review work being undertaken. OPERATION OF THE FRAMEWORK The Framework will be in place for a duration of four years from the initial award date. It will operate under the parameters of the Light Touch Regime of 'social and other specific services' under Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. This Framework will be open to new entrants throughout the duration. Any new entrants will be required to undergo the same application and selection process as all other tenderers awarded on to the framework. This Framework will operate on a call-off basis. It should be noted that East Ayrshire Council and the H&SCP have no obligation to purchase from this Framework with no guaranteed volumes or minimum levels of business throughout. Purchase orders will be issued to confirm any call-off from the Framework. The open framework (PS/23/132) will expire in December 2027.

### Procurement Information

This is an award from existing framework previously advertised. PS/23/132 Independent Reviewers Open Framework

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Public Contracts Scotland |
| Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB549143 |
| Notice type | PCS Notice - Website Contract Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Limited |
| Procurement method details | Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 9 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 3 Nov 2025 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £49,999 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL |
| Locality | KILMARNOCK |
| Post town | Kilmarnock |
| Postcode | KA3 7BU |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM9 Southern Scotland |
| ITL 3 | TLM93 North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire |
| Local authority | East Ayrshire |
| Electoral ward | Kilmarnock East and Hurlford |
| Westminster constituency | Kilmarnock and Loudoun |
| Delivery location | TLM93 North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | MICHAEL STEWART SWS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 85321000 - Administrative social services

## Release History

- 9 Feb 2026 at 00:00 - Award - PCS Notice - Website Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB549143

## Documents

- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB549143
  Award from Framework - Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework - Award from Existing Framework (PS/23/132 - Independent Lead Reviewers Open Framework)

## Notice URLs

- http://
- http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000822860.json.