Mentoring Support Services

Tender description

Tender for provision of mentoring guidance and support to students with a recognised, diagnosable disability or health condition including mental health needs in receipt of DSA funding or in receipt of University of Southampton funding. Potential bidders should note that this tender is being conducted under the new Light Touch regime, so opting to not be bound by the full Public Contracts Regulations 2015, but University has elected to follow a pseudo open procedure on a voluntary basis. The University reserves the right to alter the process and procedure at our absolute discretion. Students are eligible for mentoring support if their disability or health condition is impacting on their ability to manage their studies effectively. Mentoring support focuses on a wide range of study skills strategies which include time management, organisational skills and report writing, as well as supporting students in managing the transition to H.E. level study. The Funding Body of a student in receipt of the DSA determines which company / university delivers mentoring support. Some students studying at the University of Southampton (the University) in receipt of the DSA may be supported by other mentoring support services. The ultimate aim of mentoring is to equip students with the skills to become independent learners and to be able to effectively manage their studies alongside their health condition. In 2013/14 4,286 mentoring sessions were delivered (95% DSA funded / 5% University funded). This equates to approximately 142 sessions per week delivered over 30 weeks. In evaluating the tender, the University will seek the most economically advantageous offers in terms of the high level criteria listed below: Fit to requirements 35% Competitiveness of Proposal 20% Services Support 35% Flexibility 10% Details of any sub-criteria and scoring methodology are listed in the Invitation to Tender. Part of the requirement for this service is that the provider should source suitable accommodation ideally within a mile of the Highfield campus, as the majority of sessions take place for students studying at Highfield, in order to be practical and convenient for the student. It is also advisable that the contractor identifies ‘suitable’ accommodation close to other sites, e.g. Winchester School of Art. The Contractor is expected to appoint staff who can deliver the mentoring support sessions on a one-to-one and group basis at all of the University campuses, which are located in Southampton and across Hampshire. This will include sites based in Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Winchester and the Isle of Wight. Furthermore, where a student is studying abroad or on a placement, the Contractor will offer a remote service to students using communication tools such as SKYPE/Adobe Connect. Potential bidders need to bear this in mind when considering if this opportunity is suitable for them.