National Exercise Referral Scheme Local Enhancement Continuation 2026

This is a grant-funded contract for the continuation of enhanced National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) services across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, building on the successful Move More Programme which ends in March 2026. The programme enhances the national NERS model locally to increase physical activity uptake, retention and long-term engagement, particularly for less active populations and those in areas of greatest need. Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council are the sole providers due to their established position as NERS delivery partners, proven track record of delivering localised enhancements, and eligibility under public sector grant funding legislation. The contract enables a coordinated regional approach while allowing each council to tailor services to their communities' specific needs. Key objectives include making NERS more responsive and better connected to wider community physical activity provision, embedding improvements identified during the current programme, and continuing the sharing of best practice between councils. This requirement is exempted from competitive tender under the Procurement Act 2023 due to the nature of the public sector grant funding arrangement and the councils' unique qualifications as existing delivery partners.