Tender for External Audit Services

General information

It is mandatory for any interested suppliers to register on the CENTRAL DIGITAL PLATFORM which is part of the enhanced Find a Tender Service and to submit their tender through the Delta e-tendering solution.

This procurement will be progressed using the Competitive Flexible Procedure utilising the Procurement Act 2023.

Key aspects of the procurement will be:

•appropriate qualifications and registrations to carry out the audit of UK financial statements; and

•an understanding of the UK social housing sector with experience of auditing the financial statements of housing associations registered with the Regulator of Social Housing for England and Wales.

•The requirement to have adequate Professional Indemnity insurance on the contract start date and for the duration of the contract

•To have in place or to agree, where appropriate, to adopt the policies and procedures of Greatwell Homes in respect of:

• Sustainability – pricing, workforce & environmental.
• Quality Management System.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy & Procedures.
• Data Protection Act – registered and compliant.
• Anti – Bribery Policy.
• Business Continuity Plan – disaster recovery procedures.
• Financial Crimes Compliance Policy.
• Modern Slavery Act Statement.

•Ability to work in an agile way, supporting Greatwell Homes flexible working practices and provide access to a secure on-line portal for the sharing of information.

Business Requirements

For each financial year for the duration of the contract we require:

In advance of each audit year end an Audit Strategy setting out the approach to the audit and including but not limited to details of the audit team, risks (including emerging risks) and mitigations and timescales.

An Audit Progress Report summarising the findings and recommendations from the interim stage of the audit.

An Audit Management Letter setting out the results of the audit including but not limited to the key audit areas and findings and audit observations and recommendations.

Annual Compliance Certificates as required by key stakeholders.

The audit must be completed and the signed audited financial statements and compliance certificates available to circulate or file within the timescales required to meet our legal, regulatory and contractual obligations.

Procurement Stage - Market Engagement:

1. To highlight Initial Conditions of Participation to exclude any suppliers who are not appropriately qualified and registered to carry out the audit of financial statements in the UK or who do not have sufficient understanding of the UK social housing sector and experience auditing the financial statements of housing associations registered with the Regulator of Social Housing for England and Wales and who are not registered on the Central Digital Platform or able to submit their tender through the Delta e-tendering solution.
2. Opportunity for clarification questions and feedback.

Procurement Stage - Tender:

1. Greatwell Homes may exclude suppliers based on additional Conditions of Participation.
2. Greatwell Homes reserves the right to add or remove stages throughout the procurement process.
3. Tender Notice and Tender Documents published – estimated date December 2025
4. Conflict of interest declaration
5. Suppliers meeting the conditions of participation invited to submit tenders via Delta e-tendering platform –estimated date February 2026
6. Shortlist invited to present to key personnel – estimated date April 2026
7. Contract awarded to most advantageous tender – estimated date May 2026

Participation

Greatwell Homes welcomes interest from all suppliers who meet the conditions of participation outlined in this notice including SMEs and VCSEs.