National Framework Agreement for the provision of Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

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 Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this framework agreement is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and he Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award.

"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 that Act, 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 Agreement.

The Term of this Framework Agreement shall be four (4) years from the Commencement Date. The Framework will be open to new Providers, and existing Providers looking to expand their service offering, throughout the term of the Framework under Regulation 13 of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.