250077 - Provision of services for Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVS)

Evolving Service Requirements

• Changes to the scope of veterinary services may arise due to:

o Expansion or reconfiguration of the Biological Services Unit.

o Introduction of new species, procedures, or research methodologies.

o Amendments to legal, ethical, or licensing requirements (e.g. under the Animals [Scientific Procedures] Act 1986).

Impact: This may require additional time, specialisation, or resource commitments from the veterinary provider, and could necessitate a contract modification.

Additional Consumables or Equipment

• The veterinary service may require access to additional or specialist consumables, diagnostics, or therapeutic agents that are not currently in use or foreseeable.

Impact: These costs may not be fully covered under the original contract scope and may require budgetary adjustment or procurement support.

Integration with Future Software or Systems

• The provider may be required to interface with future digital systems (e.g. electronic records, compliance platforms, or biosecurity monitoring tools) introduced by the Department of Health.

Impact: This could involve additional training, time investment, or technical development that may not be currently estimable.

Continuity and Availability Risks

• Risks associated with the availability of the provider, such as:

o Unexpected staff shortages or turnover.

o Lack of appropriate cover for leave or emergencies.

o Limited capacity to respond to out-of-hours, urgent, or specialist callouts.

Impact: May affect service reliability or continuity of animal care, requiring contingency planning.

Compliance and Regulatory Risks

• Regulatory or compliance breaches could arise if either party fails to meet evolving expectations under Department of Health licensing, university policy, or veterinary best practice.

Impact: May lead to enforcement action, reputational damage, or contract suspension/termination.

Cost and Scope Escalation

• As described above, unknown developments may lead to:

o Increase in the scope of work.

o Associated increases in cost or resource requirements that are not foreseen within the initial pricing model.

Impact: May require formal contract modification under applicable public procurement regulations.

Risk Management

To mitigate these risks:

• Queens University and the supplier will maintain open and proactive communication.
• Regular contract reviews will be held to assess evolving needs and service delivery.
• Any required modifications will be managed in accordance with public procurement law and recorded transparently.