II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKH3

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The purpose of this competition under Lot 1 “Businesses and supporting people into work” is to invite bids to create and deliver a training provision that will enable people in employment and job seekers to improve their numeracy skills for work.

Bidders are expected to work together with businesses to identify specific numeracy skills required in the workplace. More specifically, bidders are expected to:

a) work with businesses to develop and deliver training courses that are bespoke to the sector the business operates in, or the business itself.

b) develop courses aimed at people who cannot apply for certain jobs because of lack of numeracy skills and / or to encourage people to upskill in numeracy in order to access a certain job/ career.

c) Develop additional relevant maths modules embedded into other vocational courses.

Eligible target learners are adults 19+ who have not previously attained a GCSE Grade 4/C or higher maths qualification. They can either be working towards a maths GCSE or Functional Skills Qualification or need specific numeracy skills for their work or progression.

Expected duration of training courses is between 6 to 10 guided learning hours.

Substantive learning (formal or informal) is defined as learning being delivered in two or more hours. All substantive learning will be recorded in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) monthly. Suppliers will need to submit the ILR directly to the Department for Education via IDAMS. Where a supplier is unable to use IDAMS, it should submit via the ILR input tool. Suppliers will need to provide ECC with a copy of the ILR using an ECC template.

Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that Multiply training / learning will not be subject to Ofsted inspections in Year 2 (2023-2024).

Outreach activities (a.k.a. non-substantive learning) should not be recorded in the ILR. Instead, the full name, postcode and date of birth should be recorded on a separate return to ECC monthly, which will then be shared by ECC with the Department for Education. It is entirely appropriate for suppliers to collect more information from adults involved in outreach activities to enable them to follow up and market Multiply to those engaged.

Proposed provision under this mini competition must be unique and not a continuation of previously funded programmes that have been awarded under this Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). If a proposal is found to be an extension of previous funding, ECC reserves the right to reject the proposal.

3.11. Bidders should ensure that learners receive appropriate support during their course, including Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG).

Bidders may deliver generic work-focused numeracy provision that enables employees to be more productive at work or to enhance their employability, for example developing costings and quotations for jobs, budgeting and estimates, cashing up, making financial transactions, working time keeping, journey planning, measurements etc.

Bidders may also deliver sector-based numeracy skills training for individuals in employment or looking for work or to move into a different sector that offers significant employment opportunities. As per 3.2, this will also involve training delivery to employees and people looking for work. This will be targeted towards particular industries or sectors. We particularly welcome sectoral approaches attractive to businesses, especially in five key sectors of growth defined in our sector development strategy, i.e. Construction; Clean Energy; Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering; Digital and Life Sciences. We would welcome focus on other sectors with which bidders have a strong track record, and where proposals are evidenced-based, such as Retail, Health & Social Care, etc.

The provision would be most advantageous if it has practical applications in the workplace.

Bidders should dedicate sufficient resources to ensure that provision for businesses satisfies business needs in line with Multiply requirements.

It is required that the bidders raise any concerns about working with individual businesses with ECC at the earliest opportunity throughout the contract.

Where provision is delivered in the workplace, bidders will ensure that this is a safe and appropriate learning environment.

Bidders are expected to have staffing and a delivery base in Essex or alternative local facilities to target and deliver provision to the businesses and residents of Essex. Online provision is an accepted method of delivery however, this must be part of a blended digital offer including virtual classroom, access to a tutor, learning and additional support.

Learners supported by this funding must reside or work in Essex (i.e., the area defined as political Essex and not including Southend-on-Sea or Thurrock).

Employer engagement should be targeted to businesses operating in Essex.

We particularly welcome provision targeting key levelling up areas captured in the Levelling Up Essex White Paper: Basildon (House Estates), Rural Braintree, Harlow, Tendring: Canvey Island and Colchester (Housing Estates).

Grant Agreements shall not exceed 12 months.

The maximum cost per learner for this requirement (Lot 1) is £35 per guided learning hour.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion: Quality / Weighting: 100

Price / Weighting:  0

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Royal Courts of Justice

London

WC2A 2LL

UK