II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKE32
Main site or place of performance:
Sheffield
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Department of Law & Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University is a large successful department which has diversified over the past 5 years and brings the University additional funding in terms of its research and contract work both nationally and internationally which in turn has improved the REF Unit of Assessment 20 results significantly. The diversification and subsequent growth is as a direct result of the successful creation of the International Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice ("HKC").
The University has identified the Law subject area as a pillar subject providing further resources and support in order to significantly increase undergraduate numbers.
Opportunities
We have a number of strategic priorities that derive directly from a tailored law portfolio which utilises the HKC brand and the creation of a law school in the new Institute of Law & Justice. Central to this strategy is the creation of a new LLM postgraduate course (Solicitors Qualifying Examination "SQE" part 1 & 2) to provide "a cradle to qualification" for students who want to become solicitors.
Our aim is to create a new suite of postgraduate professional qualifications that will enhance the refreshed undergraduate portfolio which has been revalidated and is due to roll out in September 2025. We want to provide a range of 1 and 2 year pathways as well as an LLM law conversion course with SQE.
We will run the LLM course from our main campus in Sheffield but there is scope to offer this course from September 2026 from our new London campus. We intend to offer this course to three specific markets of students - law graduates (from SHU or elsewhere), non-law graduates (from SHU or elsewhere) and international students (practising lawyers wanting to practice in the UK).
We require a supplier to provide the SQE preparation training elements which will form part of the LLM Solicitors Qualification Examination.
The requirement is for a supplier to provide:
• Professional training via an online system which students can access independently
• A readily accessible online support service for system issues
• Professional support for students for academic issues relating to the training provided
• Involvement in a review of the Sheffield Hallam University course design and be involved in the development of the other law modules provided by SHU which form the LLM award.
Requirements
Online system
The University requires an easily accessible, easy to use, reliable, SaaS system via which students can receive training and support. University staff would like to be able to access the system for monitoring purposes but expect the successful supplier to be responsible for all software resources used by the application.
We would expect the successful supplier to be able to offer access to the training via a wide variety of devices (e.g. PC, laptop, IoS and android) and that the system would be updated regularly.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENT - You must meet the requirements of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 which states you must make your website or mobile app more accessible by making it 'perceivable, operable, understandable and robust'. You need to include and update an accessibility statement on your website.
Curriculum Model
We require delivery of a curriculum which comprehensively covers all the requirements for SQE 1 & 2 and fully prepares students for the relevant examinations.
Experience & Success
We require a provider with the highest level of experience & success within the HE sector.
Staff Expertise
The University requires a provider with staff who have the highest and most relevant skills and expertise to contribute towards the opportunities described above and enhance the reputation of the University.
International Students
The University requires evidence of experience in enrolling and teaching a wide range of international students.
Student support
We require a comprehensive offering of support from qualified & experienced staff in relation to the SQE1 & 2 courses you will be delivering.
Our students will require:
• Academic support
• System use / course support (how to get the best out of the system and curriculum model)
• Pastoral care in relation to struggles or concerns with course content
• Specialist advice relating to the diverse needs of the student(s)
EEDI (Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion)
Sheffield Hallam University is committed to advancing equality of opportunity, experiences and outcomes; ensuring that students and staff realise their full potential. This is reflected through the University's civic ambitions, with equality, diversity and inclusion acting as a key enablers to the University's strategy, Transforming Lives. The University's Equality Objectives (2021-24) demonstrate our commitment to EEDI.
https://www.shu.ac.uk/about-us/our-values/equality-and-diversity
Standards & Compliance
The University wishes to contract with a provider who complies with all service-related standards and has robust quality assurance policies and procedures in place.
Collaborative Opportunities
We would like to explore opportunities with the selected provider, to collaborate on the provision of additional student courses.
Out of Scope
• The award of the qualification of LLM SQE.
• Participation in the delivery of any of the Sheffield Hallam University law modules that form part of the LLM award.
• The assessment of the Solicitors Qualification Examination Part 1 or Part 2 as this is delivered by the Solicitors Regulation Authority's approved assessor.
• The process of entering the students into the Solicitors Qualification Examination Part 1 or Part 2 this remains the responsibility of the individual students and they bear the cost of the examination fees.
The University reserves the right to make any award that may result from this Invitation to Tender, on a single supplier award basis, or not at all, at its sole discretion.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT:
1 250 000.00
GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 60
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The contract is expected to commence in October 2024 initially for a period of 3 years with a total anticipated duration of 5 years (3 + 2). If successful, the service will be renewed/retendered after the initial 5 years.
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
The contract is expected to commence in October 2024 initially for a period of 3 years with a total anticipated duration of 5 years (3 + 2).
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No