Department for Education - Content design support for GOV.UK

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done DFE require an expert digital copywriting service, working on digital copywriting and content design for the department in line with the digital communications strategy. Projects involve working with colleagues across the department, publishing content on GOV.UK in a timely and accurate manner, meeting the needs of the department and our users. Provision should cover 4-10 content designers in total to manage this work. Problem to Be Solved Provision of a digital content design and editorial service, working with material produced by the department to create accessible, user-focussed content for publication on GOV.UK, including collaborative content production and use of HTML, PDF/A, and other formats as required. Suppliers will have exceptional copywriting experience with superb attention to detail, using Google Analytics, data and user research to create clear, concise and engaging digital content. Suppliers will have substantial experience of working with GOV.UK, collaborating with the Government Digital Service (GDS) to meet departmental needs. We anticipte this work to be done by 4-10 content designers in total. Who Are the Users The supplier will work with customers embedded in teams across the department who have a need to publish content to GOV.UK, working with them to develop accessible and engaging content in a way which communicates the department’s objectives, meets the GDS design principles, and puts a focus on users. Early Market Engagement Work Already Done Existing Team The supplier will be joining an existing civil service team of mixed disciplines, including 8 content designers, working on strategic improvements and developing content with colleagues across the department. Current Phase Not applicable Work Location London (Sanctuary Building 20 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT) Working Arrangments Onsite work required, most senior contractor to report in to the Team Leader, Digital Communications Team. Occasional travel to other DFE offices may be required, subject to DFE travel and subsistence policy. Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required. Security Clearance Successful supplier must be able to demonstrate that all proposed team members have passed standard DFE BSPSS security criteria. Additional T&Cs Standard DOS framework and call-off terms and conditions. Day rates should be inclusive of any costs travelling to and working from the base location. The cost of travelling to other locations while performing DFE work will be covered as per the DFE travel and subsistence policy and will need to be invoiced by the suppliers with supporting receipts. Skills & Experience Extensive copywriting experience Extensive experience of user-focussed content design Extensive experience of working with GOV.UK and the Whitehall publishing platform xtensive understanding of user needs, journeys and behaviour, and experience in applying this expertise within a government department Experience of analytics and evaluation, including the use of Google Analytics and interpreting relevant data Experience of collaborating with the Government Digital Service (GDS) Time management, and experience of working to tight deadlines Understanding of working within a large government department Experience or working in a fast moving political environment, and the ability to make sound judgements and decisions in relation to that setting Knowledge of accessibility requirements in relation to digital publishing Nice to Haves Experience of wider communications issues, and working in a high-profile communications setting Understanding of the wider digital environment Agile project management skills and experience Experience of paired/collaborative writing An understanding of principles around user research Experience of service design Experience working with Adobe suite, including use of Acrobat for creating accessible PDFs and basic image editing No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria Extensive experience in producing high quality, accurate, time-bound copywriting to tight deadlines Extensive experience of working with the GOV.UK website and Whitehall publishing platform, including a comprehensive understanding of content types, formats and GDS style guide and design principles Experience and understanding of working within a government setting, specifically working within a large department Strong understanding of the wider technical competencies involved in working with GOV.UK Ability to work in a fast paced and agile environment, including ability to remain calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines Experience of handling data and analytics, making use of evidence to create compelling and persuasive arguments Cultural Fit Criteria Collaborative approach to working, for example seeking understanding, working cooperatively and seeking mutual solutions to conflicts A diplomatic approach to problem solving, using data, evidence and diplomacy to reach desired conclusions Work as part of a large team, delegating work where appropriate and seeking to balance workloads across a wider team to meet deadlines Prioritise and manage large volumes of work, managing varying workflows to meet satisfactory conclusions across varying deadlines Competent and resilient when faced with challenges, showing pragmatism when finding mutually agreeable solutions Payment Approach Time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 15% Price 25% Questions from Suppliers Budget range not to exceed £1.5m across the lifetime of the contract