Higher education services

Tender description

Think Ahead intends to extend its existing contract with Middlesex University. Think Ahead believe that competition is absent. Think Ahead has previously partnered with Middlesex University to develop, accredit and deliver the academic elements of the Think Ahead programme. The contract awarded to them in September 2018 includes both the 2019 and 2020 student cohort, with an optional extension to include the 2021 cohort. The academic programme provided jointly by Think Ahead and Middlesex University has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), now Social Work England (SWE). In order to fall in line with a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) procurement process, currently intended to cover both the 2021 and 2022 cohort, with an optional extension to cover the 2023 cohort, Think Ahead intend to extend the contract in place with Middlesex University to tie in with the DHSC contract should they be successful in the procurement process. Think Ahead has identified that given the unique nature of the programme Middlesex University have the credentials and infrastructure already in place that no other academic institution can match at this time, particularly with the need to have a SWE approved programme with academic resources in place within limited timescales, including regional teaching and tutor support across England. Think Ahead is entirely funded by the DHSC with limited financial and staff resources, which would be helped by the embedded nature of the relationship with Middlesex University already in place, particularly given the need to demonstrate value for money without duplicated cost, business disruption and operation or financial risk. Please see additional information in VI.4.1-.