Debt Advice Quality Framework Accreditation Scheme

Tender description

The Money and Pensions Service, MaPS (the "Authority") is an arm's-length body, sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, with a joint commitment to ensure information, guidance and advice is provided to members of the public in the clearest and most cost-effective way. This Early Engagement Notice is to advise prospective providers of the Authority's intention and is not a formal call for tender. The Money and Pensions Service will be issuing a tender for the delivery of Debt Advice Quality Framework Accreditation Scheme. MaPS will be holding a Supplier Engagement Session on Thursday 9th September 2021 via a Teams Meeting. To attend this meeting please follow the registration details provided in section II.2.14. Additional information of this notice. Lot 1: The Money and Pensions Service is statutorily tasked with "set[ting] standards to be complied with by persons providing information or advice in pursuance of the body's debt advice function." MaPS expects their Prime Contractors (and their supply chain, where applicable) to adhere to the MaPS Standards. To accommodate the monitoring of adherence to these standards, regulatory requirements and ensure MaPS funded advisers deliver high quality debt advice, the procured service shall administer the Debt Advice Quality Framework Accreditation Scheme and ensure the above requirements are met. The MaPS Debt Advice Quality Framework comprises of two interlinked and essential parts - the 'organisational' quality framework and the 'individual' quality framework, which together, form our approach to ensuring the high quality of debt advice services in both the free-to-client and fee-charging sectors. Provision of this service includes the following activities: - Accreditation: mapping against the criteria encompassed in the MaPS Debt Advice Quality Framework. - Standards and Codes Reports Checks: an annual check of relevant Third-Party Standard holder's audits, whereby their standards have been assessed as being equivalent to and compliant with the MaPS Debt Advice Quality Framework. - Training: Prepare and deliver refresher training days as and when required for staff from third party standards and membership code holders. To support this service, the supplier will also provide high quality subject matter expertise to the Money and Pensions Service in relation to accreditation of Third-Party Standards/Codes and Third-Party Training/Qualifications, partake in evaluation and continuous improvement activities, as required. MaPS expects the successful service provider to be in place with a contract start date of 1st April 2022 Additional information: MaPS also plan to hold a virtual Debt Advice Quality Framework Accreditation Scheme Market Engagement Session on 09/09/2021, details of which will follow. This will provide an opportunity for potential providers to find out more about the aims of the tender and contract, the process involved as well as network with others. To attend the Debt Advice Quality Framework Assessment Scheme Session, please RSVP by 06/09/2021, with the name, title and contact details for attendees to: Nicholas Cole Manager E. nicholas.cole@maps.org.uk The commissioner reserves the right not to proceed with the Procurement or any part thereof, or change the requirements as necessary at any time.