NHS Patient Survey Approved Contractor Framework

A Framework of Approved Contractors to work with and provide a range of survey-related services to Commissioners when contracted to do so. In the future it is possible Approved Contractors would be invited to supply other research related activities alongside this work, in the event that such activities are developed.

Approved Contractors will be required to work, under Call- Off Contracts, directly with Care Providers registered with CQC and on occasion, with the Coordination Centre or CQC directly. The purpose of Approved Contractors is to:

• ensure that Care Providers are able to undertake National Surveys by providing the required skills and expertise to draw samples, distribute and collect questionnaires using a variety of survey administration modes (currently paper and online and incorporating SMS reminders) as per standardised schedules, guidance and in line with national approvals;
• process collected data to allow own analysis of results on behalf of Commissioners(in line with CQC data cleaning and analysis standards and national approvals) and to submit timely and accurate data to the Coordination Centre at required intervals to permit centralised analysis;
• ensure potential safeguarding issues are escalated to the appropriate authorities at the earliest opportunity;
• ensure that CQC is able to pilot approaches to improving surveys, and undertake other specific work as required over the life of the Framework Agreement;
• work in partnership with CQC and the Co-ordination Centre to seek to continually improve the NHS Patient Survey Programme.

As this is a Framework Agreement, CQC does not guarantee any work through this Framework Agreement and requirements may be called-off as and when required.

This procurement was undertaken following an open procedure process.

The framework is awarded for an initial period of 24 months with an option to extend for up to 24 months.

Total Awarded Value is the maximum of all charges including all optional extensions.

Framework Reference: CQC I&D 038