Independent Public Voice and Challenge Function for NHS Essex Population Health Improvement Programme

NHS Essex Integrated Care Board seeks an independent provider to gather, represent, and report the views of Essex residents throughout the implementation of its Population Health Improvement Programme (PHIP). The role extends beyond standard engagement and consultation to include independent challenge, scrutiny, and assurance of strategic commissioning decisions and service transformation. The contract is intended to run from 2 September 2026 for an initial two-year period (to 1 September 2028) with an option to extend for a further two years (to 1 September 2030). The estimated annual value is up to £400,000, with a potential total contract value of up to £1.6 million over four years. The Authority intends to award this contract to Healthwatch Essex Ltd, recognising that successful delivery requires a combination of established independence, public trust, countywide infrastructure, existing community relationships, and immediate operational readiness. The Authority has determined that no other provider can deliver an equivalent service with the same level of public recognition, local infrastructure, community trust, and immediate mobilisation capability. This is a non-healthcare services contract subject to the Procurement Act 2023. Representations regarding this award must be submitted by 29 August 2026 to amy.wilson@attain.co.uk. The decision-maker is the NHS Essex ICB Executive Board.