Our organisation is currently looking to bid for the provision of Obesity Prevention and Weight Management Services covering tiers 1,2 and 3 (which mean nothing to me).

My issue is that the tender requires a Caldicott Guardian to be in place. I must admit I’ve never really paid much attention to these requirements as I’ve never needed to. My concern is that my Council is responding ‘will have Caldicott Guardian in place if bid is successful’ (as we currently do not require that position) and are probably thinking they can just dump the work onto me (with my unlimited time and resources I have at my disposal……). I don’t think my Council understand the nature of the role (nor do I fully but I don’t think we should just be ‘winging’ it). I have some questions for those that know these things:

1)    Is a Caldicott Guardian required for all three tiers of services?

2)    Can the responsibility be contracted out?

3)    Does it require specific training/knowledge (above and beyond general DP knowledge)?

4)    Any other comments on the importance of the role etc. (especially considering the bid to provide the services is being made by 7 local authorities).

I apologise if I have not given the information you may need to respond – I don’t understand the tier 1, 2, 3 services.

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stephen Cotterill
Procurement & Technical Officer