Collection & Recovery Services

A Tender Notice
by SOUTHERN WATER SERVICES LIMITED

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Framework (Services)
Duration
4 year
Value
___
Sector
BUSINESS
Published
02 Feb 2026
Delivery
28 Nov 2026 to 28 Nov 2030
Deadline
04 Mar 2026 16:00

Related Terms

Location

United Kingdom:

Geochart for 1 buyers and 0 suppliers

1 buyer

Description

We are seeking to establish a new Collections & Recovery Services Framework that supports a redesigned operating model. This framework will be flexible, scalable, and adaptable, enabling innovation and continuous improvement in line with evolving business needs. The procurement will be conducted in full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and aims to deliver: Cost efficiency and value for money Enhanced recovery outcomes Improved customer experience The new approach will modernise our debt recovery strategy by: Introducing early-stage digital collection solutions to reduce default rates Enabling proactive customer engagement earlier in the recovery journey Maximising return on investment (ROI) through smarter, data-driven interventions Suppliers will be expected to demonstrate capability in delivering effective, customer-centric recovery solutions that align with our strategic goals and regulatory obligations.

Lot Division

1 Digital & Engagement Collections

SWS are seeking up to two suppliers for digital-first collections and engagement services, including automated communications, self-service portals, and data led segmentation for overdue accounts. This lot also covers traditional non-field DCA recovery for early-stage arrears. Other services include (but not limited to): performance reporting and MI dashboards, Champion/Challenger model for competitive performance, digital innovation and customer experience enhancements. Southern Water requires coverage primarily in the South-East region, with capability to trace and engage customers who may have relocated elsewhere in the UK.

Award Criteria
Quality / Technical Ability Assessment of the supplier’s technical capability, digital delivery model, customer engagement approach, vulnerability support, innovation, data integration, sustainability and mobilisation planning, as outlined in the ITT.
Price Evaluation of total modelled annual cost based on submitted pricing, including commission rates, digital servicing costs, implementation, reporting and any applicable pass‑through items.
2 Trace, Recovery & Legacy Debt Management

SWS are seeking a supplier for specialist services to trace and recover overdue accounts, including field visits and management of legacy or exhausted debt portfolios. Other services include (but not limited to): address validation and trace accuracy, ethical field engagement and safeguarding, data sharing and scoring for uncollected accounts, sustainability measures (e.g., paperless communications, electric fleet). Southern Water requires coverage across the South-East region for field recovery, with national reach for tracing customers who have moved outside the area.

Award Criteria
Quality Assessment of operational capability across field and trace services, compliance with regulatory requirements, safeguarding and vulnerability measures, innovation, sustainability, performance management, and mobilisation.
Price Evaluation of total modelled annual cost based on submitted pricing, including trace and field visit rates, legacy debt handling, reporting and any associated service charges.
3 Litigation Management

SWS are seeking a supplier for end-to-end litigation services, including pre-litigation assessment, case preparation, issuing claims, managing court processes, and enforcement oversight. Other services include (but not limited to): compliance with civil procedure rules and FCA/Ofwat regulations, integration with Southern Water systems for case tracking, transparent cost management and proportionality in enforcement, specialist handling of sensitive cases. Southern Water requires coverage across the South-East region for core litigation activity, with ability to manage enforcement and court proceedings nationally where required.

Award Criteria
Quality / Technical Assessment of end‑to‑end litigation capability, legal compliance, proportionality, risk and governance processes, reporting, customer vulnerability handling, enforcement oversight and mobilisation.
Price Evaluation of total modelled annual cost based on submitted litigation stage pricing, including pre‑legal work, claims issuance, judgment handling, enforcement oversight and associated reporting costs.
4 Probate & Deceased Account Management

SWS are seeking a supplier for sensitive management of deceased customer accounts, including probate verification, executor engagement, and estate settlement. Other services include (but not limited to): compliance with probate law and FCA standards, liaison with solicitors and estate representatives, digital documentation and reporting, partnerships with bereavement charities for social value. Southern Water requires coverage across primarily the South-East region, with flexibility to handle probate cases involving executors or estates located elsewhere in the UK.

Award Criteria
Quality / Technical Assessment of probate handling capability, accuracy in deceased account verification, sensitivity and ethics in engagement, legal compliance, innovation, sustainability, reporting, and mobilisation.
Price Evaluation of total modelled annual cost based on the supplier’s pricing for probate case management, estate verification, executor liaison, reporting and any associated service elements.

Renewal Options

Southern Water may extend the Framework Agreement beyond the initial 4‑year term by giving the Supplier at least three months’ notice before the initial term ends. Any extension would be on the same contractual terms (or on amended terms if mutually agreed) for up to an additional 4 years in total. If Southern Water does not issue such notice, the Framework Agreement will automatically expire at the end of the initial term.

CPV Codes

  • 79940000 - Collection agency services
  • 79100000 - Legal services

Indicators

  • Renewals are available.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **

Reference

  • ocds-h6vhtk-058c38
  • FTS 008722-2026

Domains