Temporary independent medical advice available to all forces across the UK

 

The Selected Medical Practitioners (SMP) framework is a ready-made solution, saving both time and money as we have already carried out due diligence and supplier negotiation.

This means customers get the best value through our centralised buying power, and can be reassured that all suppliers, and their services, meet the required legislative and technical standards.

We maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, whilst the customer maintains control of operational contract management. We will oversee the implementation and onboarding of the contract, act as a single point of contact, and provide an escalation route for any performance issues.

 

Other benefits include: 

• Ensures all forces use SMPs who meet minimum professional, training and vetting standards
• Reduces variation in decision-making across forces for ill-health, injury awards and fitness for work assessments
• Improves fairness and reduces challenges/appeals due to inconsistent assessment

 

• Access to pre-defined rates, reducing the need for multiple separate procurements
• Eliminates the administrative cost of sourcing, onboarding and full contracting SMPs individually
• Avoids financial risk of ad-hoc appointments that may deliver variable quality or price

Forces can call-off trained SMPs who:

• Understand policing roles, risks and operational context
• Are experienced in pension regulation decision making
• Meet professional requirements

Our framework SMPs are contractually required to follow:

• Current case law
• Medical best practise
• Regulatory requirements

Consistency and competence reduce the risk of judicial review, tribunal challenges, and complaints regarding procedural unfairness.

 

BLC frameworks are procured in line with public sector procurement rules, ensuring:

• Clear audit trails
• Transparent evaluation
• Contractual accountability

Supporting compliance with Police Pension Regulations 2015, including duties around independent medical determinations.

Scope of contract

This agreement supports forces Pension Authorities when needing independent medical advice from SMPs.

Their services relate to medical questions arising under the police pension regulations:

• The Police Pensions Regulations 1987
• The Police Pensions Regulations 2006,
• The Police Pension Regulations 2015
• The Police (Injury Benefit) Regulations 2006

SMPs will be required to undertake a range of services, which could include:

• Permanence of disability
• Assessment of injury on duty
• Pension and injury on duty award reviews
• Attendance at Home Office police medical appeal hearings
• New recruit medicals​

 

Contract details

Contract title:       Selected Medical Practitioner Services

Reference:             BLC-0136

Contract term:      22/01/2024 to 21/01/2027 (1 year extension granted)

Pricing:                  Fixed pricing

 

Supplier Details

Access the framework

For forces looking for more information or to access the framework visit the People & Professional Services: Member Health & Wellbeing Services here.

For all other enquiries, please contact our team.

Charlotte Daynes Head of Category Click here to send email

Kirsty Hinson Contracts Manager Click here to send email

We work with members to transform commercial procurement, resulting in a bottom line improvement to cost and time savings, and delivering a more sustainable future. Click here for information.