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 digital content design and editorial service, working with material produced by the department to create accessible, user-focussed content for GOV.UK, including collaborative content production and use of HTML, PDF/A, and other formats as required. The successful supplier will demonstrate experienced provision of copywriting with exceptional attention to detail, using Google Analytics, other data sources and user research to create clear, concise and engaging content. Creating content which is focussed on the needs of users requires specialist skills and experience, and must be carried out alongside colleagues within the department who may have no prior understanding of such needs. 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 A supplier will be joining an existing civil service team of mixed disciplines, including 7 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) or Sheffield (2 St Pauls Place, 125 Norfolk Street, S1 2JF) or working remote due to current climate. Working Arrangments Onsite work required, most senior team member 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. There may be scope for some home working. Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required. Security Clearance Successful suppliers must be able to demonstrate that all proposed team members have passed standard DFE security criteria. They must have BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) Additional T&Cs Standard DOS framework and call-off terms and conditions. Day rates should be inclusive of all costs. Travelling to and working from the primary location for each Statement of Work, will not attract any expenses. Travelling to other locations while performing DFE work must adhere to the DFE travel and subsistence policy and will need to be invoiced by the suppliers with supporting receipts. Skills & Experience Extensive copywriting experience, paired/collaborative writing experience Extensive experience of creating user-focussed content design based on user needs, journeys and behaviour, and experience in applying this expertise within a large government department Extensive experience of creating user-focussed content design based on user needs, journeys and behaviour, and experience in applying this expertise within a large government department xperience of analytics and evaluation, including the use of Google Analytics and interpreting relevant data Knowledge of accessibility requirements in relation to digital publishing, able to create accessible documents using a range of software e.g. Microsoft Office and Adobe Nice to Haves Experience of wider communications issues and the digital environment, especially in relation to fast-moving and high-profile political settings Project management skills and experience Experience of paired/collaborative writing Experience of related disciplines to content design including user research principles and service design 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 including but not exclusive to the production of HTML content types, creating manuals, converting documents to accessible formats Experience of handling data and analytics, making use of evidence to create compelling and persuasive arguments Ability to work in a fast paced and agile environment, including ability to remain calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines Cultural Fit Criteria Commitmented to excellence, improvement, seeking actionable feedback, setting targets Collaborative approach, for example seeking understanding, working cooperatively, seeking mutual solutions to conflicts Diplomatic approach to problem solving, using data, evidence, sound judgement to reach desired outcomes, show resilience and pragmatism Work as part of a large team alongside civil servants, delegating work where appropriate, seeking to balance and prioritise large workloads across a wider team to meet deadlines Payment Approach Time and materials Assessment Method Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 20% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers No questions have been answered yet Budget range not to exceed £2.5m across the lifetime of the contract