External Audit Services · UK public procurement notice

WRAP is required to undertake an annual external group audit to meet statutory and compliance obligations. The incumbent supplier has delivered this service effectively and built-up detailed knowledge of WRAP’s systems and processes, enabling them to provide efficiency and value for money. Transitioning to a new auditor at this point would create significant onboarding requirements, additional internal resource burden, and is likely to result in higher fees given the current market conditions across the audit sector.

The audit timetable is also tightly bound by statutory filing deadlines (including with DEFRA), with the first stage of work commencing around Christmas. There is insufficient time to complete a competitive procurement exercise in advance of this deadline without risking disruption to delivery and compliance. Furthermore, Sayer Vincent’s existing knowledge supports not only the statutory external audit but also improves efficiencies in the audit of WRAP’s core grant funding.

For these reasons, a final direct award is recommended to ensure continuity and compliance. A full open-market procurement will be undertaken for the 2026/27 audit cycle.