SERVICE USER AND CARER INVOLVEMENT SERVICE

Location

Cardiff

Description

The Mental Health Clinical Board (MHCB) in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board plans to recommission the Service User and Carer Representation Service, which strengthens the voice of people with lived experience and their carers through co‑production, training, and involvement in service planning, as well as the Reward and Recognition element.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Service User and Carer Representation Service is a specialist third sector‑led model designed to strengthen the voice and influence of people with lived experience of mental health issues, and their carers, across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The service provides structured opportunities for meaningful involvement in the planning and review of mental health services, alongside training, capacity building, information sharing and signposting. Operating within a context of rising demand and strong national expectations around co‑production, the service plays an essential role in supporting recovery‑focused, person‑centred care. The recommissioned service will also incorporate a Reward and Recognition element, which acknowledges and values the contribution of people with lived experience. This component provides appropriate recognition for activities that require preparation, time and commitment, draw on lived experience and expertise, involve contributing as part of a team to Mental Health Clinical Board (MHCB)‑specific tasks and activities on an ongoing basis, and are pre‑agreed with MHCB and Caniad, the current MHCB Service User and Carer Engagement partner. Delivery is typically undertaken by experienced local third sector organisations with a strong community presence, though challenges such as workforce capacity and financial sustainability remain. Providers must demonstrate robust governance, accessibility, Welsh language compliance and high‑quality engagement practice. Overall, this is a specialised and essential service area with growing demand and clear alignment to local and national mental health policy. This notice is an intention to award a contract under the Most Suitable Provider Process. This is an existing service with an existing provider. The contract is for a period of 3 years, with the option to extend for 2 further years in 12‑month intervals at the Health Board’s discretion, commencing 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029 (31st March 2031).

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85121270 - Psychiatrist or psychologist services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

This is a Provider Selection Regime Wales (PSR Wales) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015/Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 27th March 2026 . This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR Wales'

Other Information

This is a Provider Selection Regime Wales (PSR Wales) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015/Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 27th March 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR Wales. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by E-mail: marisa.riley2@wales.nhs.uk. The award decision makers for this process are members of the Mental Health Clinical Board within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The award decision-makers’ reasons for selecting the chosen provider and utilising the Most Suitable Provider Process were based on their successful redevelopment of service user and carer engagement workstreams following earlier disruption caused by provider changes. They have restored stability, improved participation, and rebuilt trust across these functions. They also work closely with the UHB Recovery College to provide safe and accessible premises for service users, ensuring continuity of a familiar environment. In addition, Adferiad administers the Service User and Carer Reward and Recognition programme, including governance, validation of involvement activities, and coordination of payments. Their specialist expertise, established systems, and strong partnerships make continued delivery essential to avoid further destabilisation. No providers were excluded from the procurement process; There were no declared conflicts or potential conflicts of interest of individuals making the decision. Information that has not been published and is withheld under regulation 23(1) due to commercial sensitivity (WA Ref:162580)