91ÖÆƬ³§

The Provider Selection Regime (PSR) came into effect on 1 January 2024. It sets out how healthcare and adult social care services are commissioned by relevant authorities in England, including NHS bodies and local authorities such as 91ÖÆƬ³§County Council.

The PSR replaces previous procurement rules for these services, introducing more flexible and proportionate ways to select providers. Unlike traditional procurement focused mainly on price, the PSR prioritises quality, collaboration, continuity of care, and meeting the needs of service users.

Key features of the PSR

Under the PSR, contracting authorities can select providers through one of five processes, depending on the specific context:

• direct award (continuity): continuing with an existing provider delivering good-quality services
• direct award (new or replacement): when only one provider is suitable
• direct award (urgent): to maintain continuity when there is an urgent need
• competitive process: when a competitive tendering approach is appropriate
• most suitable provider: when multiple providers could deliver the service but competition is not required

Transparency and accountability

While the PSR allows for more flexible procurement methods, transparency remains essential. 91ÖÆƬ³§County Council publishes key notices on the UK Government’s Central Digital Platform (CDP), including:

• justifications for direct awards without competition
• contract award notices announcing the selected providers

This ensures openness and allows the public and stakeholders to monitor how health and social care services are commissioned.

The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 – Annual Summary

In line with Regulation 25 of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, 91ÖÆƬ³§County Council publishes an annual summary of our contracting activity for relevant health care services.

Access the latest annual summary here:

• PSR Annual Summary 2025 (Excel)