Maternity and Neonatal Advocacy Service (MNISA)

The procurement process led by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board involved a direct award contract for the provision of a Maternity and Neonatal Advocacy Service (MNISA). This service, which is a part of a national pilot funded by NHSE, is intended to span from 1st September 2025 to 31st March 2026, with a potential extension to 31st October 2026 dependent upon further funding. The contract, valued at £110,000, falls under the light-touch regime, signifying non-healthcare services, and has been awarded without competition due to its below-threshold value.

The project is located in Sunderland, UK, and relates to services within the guidance and counselling sector. This tender presents a significant opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specialising in advocacy services, particularly those within the social care and guidance industry. Companies that have experience with providing community support and counselling services are well-placed to engage in similar tenders in the future, especially if further extensions or similar projects are funded.

The direct award method indicates a preference for businesses with a unique capacity or pre-existing relationship with the buying organisation, which in this instance aligned with People First Independent Advocacy’s skill set and locality in Carlisle, UK. Businesses looking to increase their foothold in the health service supply chain can look towards strengthening their proposals for upcoming pilot projects of this nature.