250076 Contract for the Provision of a Development Programme to Support Foundation Trainee Pharmacists to Prepare for the Common Registration Assessment
Overview
Summary, notice description and lot information
The public procurement process initiated by Queen's University Belfast revolves around a tender titled "250076 Contract for the Provision of a Development Programme to Support Foundation Trainee Pharmacists to Prepare for the Common Registration Assessment." This procurement, falling under the services category, specifically targets the training and pharmacy services industries. Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the contract was planned as an open procedure with a procurement method focused on transparency and equal opportunity.
Unfortunately, the tender was marked for cancellation on 9th December 2025 due to errors in published dates, with plans to re-issue it shortly. The initial procurement timeline included a tender period ending on 25th November 2025 and an award announcement expected by mid-December 2025, highlighting a fair yet meticulously scheduled tender process for interested parties. This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specializing in educational training and pharmacy services, offering a potential contract valued at approximately £353,675.
It is especially suited for those with experience in delivering structured education and training programmes to support trainee pharmacists. The contract's structure incentivizes firms that can provide flexible, sustainable solutions and demonstrate technical capability. Participation in this tender could lead to long-term business growth, with options for contract renewal up to 2033, subject to performance and evolving requirements.
The process encourages competition based on technical merit and price, making it a lucrative opportunity for qualified companies aiming to expand their footprint within the healthcare education sector in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD), one of the national pharmacy postgraduate centres, was established in 1990 and has been based in the School of Pharmacy (Queen's University Belfast) since 1996. Funded by the Department of Health under the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) (1972) Order, its remit is to support the development of the (Health and Social Care) pharmacy workforce in Northern Ireland through its education and training programme, which includes:
- direct, distance and eLearning courses
- foundation training year
- postgraduate course funding
- post-registration foundation training
- non-medical prescribing training
- advanced practice training
- post-qualification training for pharmacy technicians. NICPLD also provides an effective multi-professional education programme of workshops and eLearning, in addition to promoting and participating in research and development. The Standards for the initial education and training (IET) of pharmacists (GPhC, 2021) support the aim of the Department of Health to improve and promote the health and social wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland. This will be achieved by establishing programmes to develop the Northern Ireland (NI) pharmacy workforce for an enhanced and more effective clinical role in response to changing population demographics and patient need. To achieve this goal, there will be a need for closer integration of academic study with enhanced learning in practice. The NICPLD Foundation Training Year (FTY) programme encompasses the following elements:
- 52 week in-practice training
- evidencing of learning outcomes via the completion of mandatory practice activities, recording evidence and uploading this to an ePortfolio
- periodic appraisal by an educational supervisor to ensure trainee progress
- structured education and training programme to support trainee pharmacists as they work towards being independent practitioners and sitting the Common Registration Assessment (CRA).
NICPLD is responsible for the delivery of all elements of this programme but will require support from the Economic Operator in delivering the structured education and training programme to support trainee pharmacists as they prepare to sit the CRA in Summer 2027.
With options to extend by up to a further 72 months (6 x 12 months)
Procurement Classification
Notice type, method, and CPV codes
Contract Values
Financial information and value estimates
The contract period is one year.
Key Dates
Publication, submission, and award timeline
Notice Status
Current status of tender, lots, awards, and contracts
Contracting Authority
Buyer organisation and contact details
Awarded Supplier
Supplier who was awarded this contract
Documents & Links
External resources and data downloads
The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector.
Need help with your tender submission?
Our expert team can help you prepare a winning bid. Get professional support from CareSync Experts.
Get in touch with our team at Care Sync Experts today for a consultation.
Email: hello@caresyncexperts.co.uk
Phone: 0333 577 0877
Contact UsBidding for contracts like this
Other tenders in Belfast
- Holistic Options for Promoting REsilience (HOPE) Independent School Counselling and Therapy Service - Belfast Areas A B and C in Belfast
- FW68 Facilities Management Framework in Belfast
- Workplace Health and Wellbeing Support Service in Belfast
- Adult and Paediatric Enteral Feeds and Associated Equipment/Consumables, including a Home Enteral Feeding Service in Belfast
- Provision of Domiciliary Care Services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust Area in Belfast
- 250244 - Contract for The Services of a Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) in Belfast