Flexible Working Programme

Tender description

The Department for Education (DfE) is looking to appoint a provider or consortium of providers, to deliver a culture change programme focused on embedding flexible working in schools, and multi academy trusts (MATs). Increasing opportunities for flexible working in schools is a key priority for the Department, as set out in the 2019 recruitment and retention strategy. A commitment to championing a culture of flexible working in schools was also reinforced in the 2022 'Opportunity for all' Schools White Paper. The successful tenderer will: • Design a strategy for culture change and promote the programme across the sector, ensuring a focus on: - Schools and MATs (both primary and secondary). - Schools/MATs with high proportions of pupils receiving pupil premium. - Specific specialisms such as Pupil Referral Units/Alternative Provision and Special Educational Needs and Disability. • Deliver a programme of workshops and webinars targeted at key audience groups. • Support the strategic and operational delivery of 12 Flexible Working Ambassador MATs/Schools, which will be appointed and funded separately by the Department. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of Contract, the contract will run from Autumn 2022 until Spring 2025 with the potential to extend for a further 12 months subject to the necessary financial approvals and acceptable performance. Any extension would be at the absolute discretion of the Department. The maximum budget allocated is £572,000, excluding VAT for the initial contract term. Lot 1: A single provider to design, develop and provide training for school leaders on implementing effective flexible working practices, including on how to develop whole-school, strategic approaches. Additional information: Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents.