Matrix Standard administration and management

Tender description

The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking a contractor to manage and administer the matrix Standard, the nationally recognised quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance (IAG) on learning, skills and employment. The successful contractor will assume full responsibility for the end-to-end operation of the Standard, including assessment and accreditation processes, quality assurance, practitioner management, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and maintenance of the matrix website. The contract will support the continued delivery of high-quality careers and employability services while safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the Standard. The opportunity is being procured as a concession contract, with all activities funded through assessment, reaccreditation and Continuous Improvement Check (CIC) fees, together with practitioner registration fees. The contractor will be required to operate a financially sustainable model, maintain a register of independent practitioners, and promote the Standard to both existing and new sectors. In addition to ensuring continuity of service for approximately 1,380 accredited organisations, the contractor will be expected to increase awareness and uptake of the Standard, particularly among organisations whose workforces may face barriers to accessing high-quality information and guidance services. The contract is expected to commence on 1 February 2027 for an initial period of one year, with the option to extend for up to two further one-year periods, giving a maximum potential term of three years. Performance will be monitored against a range of key performance indicators covering service delivery, assessment timeliness, customer retention, business growth, reporting, quality assurance and social value outcomes. The estimated total concession value over the maximum contract term is approximately £3 million, although no direct funding will be provided by the Department.