Tender Opportunity: External Audit Tender
Purpose
The Adolescent & Children’s Trust (TACT) is launching a competitive tender process to appoint external auditors for the financial year ending 31 March 2026, with the option to renew for up to five years.
This appointment is an important part of ensuring strong governance, value for money, and sector expertise, while giving confidence to our donors, partners, regulators, and beneficiaries that TACT’s finances are transparent and well managed.
Scope and Expectations
- Annual statutory audit of the consolidated financial statements (TACT Group, including Foster Care Values Ltd).
- Management letter and presentation of findings to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (FARC) and Board.
- Commitment to meet the audit deadline within our governance timeframes.
- A proactive, collaborative approach supporting TACT’s internal controls, value for money, and continuous improvement.
- Ethical compliance and constructive challenge consistent with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and UK GAAP.
- Delivery of the audit on a remote basis, with demonstrated capability to coordinate, plan, and execute all audit activities effectively through secure digital systems and structured remote engagement.
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | Weighting | Description |
| Price and Value for Money | 35% | The price proposals will be ranked based on the overall tender price and hourly rate card provided. The best value proposition will receive the full 35% score. Each subsequent position in the price ranking will incur a 5% deduction (e.g., 2nd ranked firm = 30%, 3rd ranked = 25%, etc.). |
| Collaboration, Communication and Flexibility | 35% | Demonstrated understanding of TACT’s values and collaborative working approach; clear communication methods; ability to adapt to our timetable and information needs. |
| Technical Capability and Sector Insight | 30% | Relevant experience in charity audits, knowledge of the Charities SORP (FRS 102), and evidence of constructive, value-added recommendations that support continuous improvement. |
Shortlisted firms will then be invited to an informal discussion with TACT’s Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (FARC) to explore their approach, cultural fit, and ability to form a trusted long-term partnership before a final recommendation is made to the Board of Trustees.
Submission and Timeline
| Stage | Indicative Date | Details |
| ITT issued | 3 March 2026 | Invitation shared publicly and sent directly to target firms |
| Expression of Interest (EOI) period | 11 March 2026 | Firms confirm eligibility and intention to tender |
| Information session (online) | 12 March 2026 | Overview of TACT, group structure, and expectations |
| Full tender submission deadline | 27 March 2026 | 2 weeks after information session |
| Evaluation and shortlisting | W/C 30 March 2026 | FARC and finance team review |
| Interviews with shortlisted firms | W/C 7 April 2026 | Informal discussion with FARC members |
| Appointment confirmed | 17 April 2026 | Recommendation to Board for approval |
Next Steps
- Firms interested in receiving the full Invitation to Tender Pack should submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) to
bdu@tactcare.org.uk by 11 March 2026 - The Tender Pack and information session details will then be shared with all registered firms.