MRC Emergency Care Provision

Tender description

CLOSING TIME FOR BIDS IS 07/11/2016 11:00 HOURS. DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE BUYER. To express your interest in this opportunity email ExpressionOfInterest@crowncommercial.gov.uk. An emergency care benefit has been in place at the MRC since November 2014. During this time uptake has increased as the scheme has become established and employees are more at ease with using the provision. The aim of the benefit is to allow employees to attend their workplace when they would have otherwise had to take time off when their normal care provision has broken down (for example, childminder is ill). This means that the provider must be able to quickly look at an employee’s request and provide them with options. Ultimately the employee will decide whether the options available to them are suitable. Due to the dispersed nature of the organisation the provider must have a good network of care options across the country that are reliable. The MRC would seek to provide 6 ‘sessions’ of care provision in the first year but would like the flexibility to increase/decrease this as appropriate for the following year (to be agreed 3 months in advance). This recognises that what defines a ‘session’ will depend on the type of care that has been requested by the employee and that the time spent at a nursery might be different to that of a child-minder. The spend related to this contract will depend upon the amount of sessions required per employee. MRC does not guarantee any employee usage of this contract . The provider must be flexible, recognising that many instances of contact from employees will be in emergency situations when their normal care arrangements have broken down and will therefore need a quick turnaround and response. Ability for employees to put forward their own care providers to be assessed and brought on board by the emergency provider. Detailed data gathering practices for those who employees register to ensure accurate information is gathered in one place and then provided securely to the care provider when required. Employees must be able to contact the provider to seek assistance and make emergency care arrangements outside of the standard working week (Monday – Friday; 9-5). This must be at a minimum of between 7:30am – 7:00 pm The online profile should show employees how many sessions they have used and how many they have remaining. Employees should have the option of paying personally for the benefit once the MRC entitlement has been exhausted ( this will require the use of secure payment systems). At a minimum the service must provide: Emergency childcare (under 16), including: Nannies, Nursery, child-minders, School Holiday Cover, School holiday clubs, Adult care/ Elder care. All childcare and adult care providers used by the supplier will be appropriately regulated, licensed, reference checked and accredited. All care agencies will be vetted by the Care Quality commission and/or the equivalent bodies in Scotland and Wales