Decision details

The reasons for the decision are:

Drug and alcohol related deaths remain a significant issue at both a local and national level. The most recently available data shows a reduction in drug related death rates in GM compared to the previous period, however between 2020 and 2022 there were 660 recorded drug related deaths across GM, which is a significantly higher rate per 100,000 population than the national average (8.0 GM, 5.2 national).

The Drug and Alcohol Related Deaths Panels will enable data and information to be compiled by local authority in the following areas:
• demographics and trends
• substances implicated in toxicology
• cause and verdicts of deaths where available
• common themes such as employment/accommodation/relationship status
• characteristics of deaths

This information will be considered by local panels of professionals across a range of disciplines to help in improving the response to such deaths and assist with delivering the ambition of reducing drug related deaths in Greater Manchester.


Following a procurement exercise conducted by open tender, LJMU are the highest scoring applicant and are considered fully competent to deliver the requirements of the contract.

Following a procurement exercise conducted by open tender, a contract for the provision of Drug and Alcohol Related Deaths Panels for Greater Manchester is awarded to Liverpool John Moores University (as JMU Services Ltd). The contract will run for an initial period of 29 months (1st November 2024 to 31st March 2027), with the option to extend for two further 12-month periods.
The total value of the contract is £392,177 (including extension years).

GMCA commissions this system on behalf of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities, with the local authorities fully funding the system.

This service is being commissioned by GMCA on behalf of all ten GM local authorities. The commitment from the GM local authorities to contribute these funds has been agreed through the GM Drug & Alcohol Commissioners Group.