Request
Dear East Midlands SHA,
I have been reviewing past FOI replies and do not understand one of the replies given in a 16th June 2010 reply, in which the SHA stated:
“The amount in question consists of 2 separate training events ‘Ethics and Health Leadership’ with Professor Brian Edwards and ‘In the Public Interest’ at £5,750 each. These events were attended by 18 and 17 Non-Executive delegates respectively from across the region as part of their ongoing development. As each event was less than £10,000, NHS East Midlands was not required to obtain tenders or seek bids. “
However, the website SFI January 2008 version gives the following information
"SHA STANDING FINANCIAL INSTRUCTIONS / STANDING ORDERS
17.7.1 General Position on quotations
Quotations are required where formal tendering procedures are not adopted and where the intended expenditure or income exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed £5,000 but not exceed £50,000."
Can the SHA please clarify and review the 16th June reply in light of the website listed SFIs giving £5,000 as the quotation limit rather than the £10,000 given in the FOI reply,
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting further clarification of our 16 June 2010 response relating to costs associated with training events.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do hold the information that you have requested.
The limits within NHS East Midlands’ Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) exclude VAT. This means that as each event was £5,000 before VAT, we have not contravened our SFIs.
I hope that this information is of use. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can ask us to review our decision by writing to:-
Mr Moosa Patel
Director of Corporate Affairs
NHS East Midlands
Octavia House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5QG
If at the conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted at:-
The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
