National Framework Agreement for the provision of Mental Health and Wellbeing Services (Framework Re-opening)

Descriptions

The level of demand for mental health services continues to grow. Data from the Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS) shows there were 600,000 more adults in contact with secondary mental health services in June 2024 than there were in June 2019.

This reflects a 45% increase in 5 years, which cannot be accounted for by population growth alone. The number of children and young people in contact with mental health services increased by 29% from June 2022 to June 2024.

While the NHS mental health workforce has grown, demand for mental health services exceeds NHS capacity. Relevant Authorities are seeking additional providers of mental health and wellbeing services to supplement or support NHS provision.

This Framework Agreement will provide a quick and compliant route to contract for these services.

The overall aim of the Framework Agreement is to provide Mental Health and Wellbeing services for young people, adults or both.

The Framework intends to cover a range of services that fall within the scope of Mental Health and Wellbeing services, delivered either virtually or in person.

This is a Framework under The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and The Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025 In accordance with Regulation 17 of The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and Regulation 17 of The Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025, the Framework will be open to applications from new potential Providers during the Term of the Framework.

Previously appointed Providers are NOT obliged to re-apply.

This notice concerns the opening of the Framework opportunity for applications from new potential Providers.

The Framework has been established under The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and The Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025 (and as amended) (together the PSR) for use by all

Relevant Authorities (and any future successors to these organisations).

"Relevant Authority" is defined in section 12ZB(7) of the National Health Service Act 2006 and in section 10A(9) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006. It means a combined authority, an integrated care board, a local authority in England, NHS England, an NHS foundation trust or an NHS trust established under section 25 of the National Health Service Act 2006, a county council or county borough council in Wales, a local health board established under section 11 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, a National Health Service trust established under section 18 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, or a special health authority established under section 22 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006.

For the avoidance of doubt, any successor bodies of any of the above entities shall be entitled to place Orders and shall be deemed Relevant Authorities for the purposes of this Framework.

For reference, the tender notice advertising the original establishment of this Framework was 2025/S 000-013977 published 9 April 2025.