Framework for Community Bank Due Diligence

The Community Savings Banks Association (CSBA) is supporting the creation of a network of banks to serve the everyday financial needs of ordinary people, local community groups, and small and medium sized companies and that reflect the unique characteristic and priorities of the region. Bristol City Council (The Authority) and a number of local authorities ('participating authorities') have agreed, committed 'in principle' or are considering investment in the banks being developed for their respective regions. The banks are in various stages of development but predominantly in their infancy, following a bank in a box model and working towards the application for a banking license. The target operational date for the first of these banks is - financial year 2020/21, with a range of milestones to be achieved within that process.

The Authority is looking to appoint, through a competitive process a competent provider/organization that will undertake a two phased due diligence exercise. The first phase is the initial due diligence on the regional model and will report to the Chief Finance Officer (or equivalent officer) of the lead (first participating) authority for the region. The second phase is the local diligence, call off arrangement which will report to the Chief Finance Officer (or equivalent officer) of the participating authority. Further details on the requirement, (Service Details for Due Diligence) and the procurement process can be found in the documents available to bidders participating in this tender exercise.

This procurement is split into 19 Lots so as to provide maximum flexibility to both the Authority and potential bidders. These 19 lots are in line with regional boundaries. A full list of authorities that may participate can be found here:

https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/guidance-and-resources/communications-support/digital-councils/social-media/go-further/a-z-councils-online.

And;

https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution/combined-authorities