Education and training services

Tender description

Department for Education are looking for suitably qualified organisations to provide the Independent Review Mechanism Services (IRM). The contract is due to commence on 1 April 2021 and will be for an initial period of 2 years (dependent on funding renewal) with a further optional extension of 1 year. The IRM provides an essential statutory service to prospective and existing foster parents, adopters and adult adoptees. The main function of the IRM is to offer an objective and independent route for applicants to request a review of decisions made their around approvals and records access made by local services. The service offered by the IRM is unique within the sector and offers the opportunity for applicants to have their case heard by an independent panel of children’s social care experts. Department for Education are looking for a provider to run and manage the Independent Review Mechanism in line with the Regulations http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/395/contents/made (The Department recommends that bidders read the Regulations before writing their bid). The successful provider must be able to demonstrate the following mandatory requirements: • an innovative approach to running an efficient, independent panel review service for foster carers, adopters and adult adoptees seeking a review of their qualifying determination; • a clear understanding of the purpose and value of the IRM and a commitment to sharing this within the sector; • excellent customer service and confidence to support people who may be in distress; • a commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to drive improvements, establishing the service as a (leader of best practice in this area); • a highly organised and efficient approach to administration, with excellent timekeeping; • an ability to produce detailed thematic, data driven reporting; • knowledge of, or desire to learn, about children’s social services; • dynamic approach to processes and openness to try new ways of doing things in order to achieve efficiencies and ensure value for money; • passion for using technology and innovation to make services more efficient. How to access the documents 1) The web address is https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html and click the link to register — accept the terms and conditions and click 'Continue'; — enter your correct business and user details; — note the username you chose and click 'Save' when complete; — you will shortly receive an email with your unique password (please keep this secure). 2) Express an Interest in the tender — login to the portal with the username/password; — click the 'PQQs/ITTs Open To All Suppliers' link. (These are Pre-Qualification Questionnaires or Invitations to Tender open to any registered supplier); — click on the relevant PQQ/ITT to access the content; — click the 'Express Interest' button at the top of the page; — this will move the PQQ /ITT into your 'My PQQs/ My ITTs' page. (This is a secure area reserved for your projects only); — you can now access any attachments by clicking 'Buyer Attachments' in the 'PQQ/ ITT Details' box. 3) Responding to the tender — click 'My Response' under 'PQQ/ ITT Details', you can choose to 'Create Response' or to 'Decline to Respond' (please give a reason if declining); — you can now use the 'Messages' function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification; — note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ/ ITT; — there may be a mixture of online and offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available). You must then submit your reply using the 'Submit Response' button at the top of the page. Please give yourself enough time to complete this before the deadline. If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the e-Tendering help desk.