Scope
Reference
OPEN05012026123557
Description
Contract for the independent mediation and disagreement resolution services to parents/carers of young people who originate or live in Hartlepool and are either involved in an assessment of needs, have been refused as assessment or are dissatisfied with something within their education, health and care plan (EHCP) following a review.
To enable them to take the matter to tribunal, they must first undertake some form of mediation which is a statutory requirement under the SEND code of Practice 2015. Due to significant changes in the Mediation arena, Chapel are the only remaining provider in this area willing to offer this service (one supplier withdrew in Jul 2022 and previous providers in the years prior).
To ensure we fulfil our contractual obligations we need to ensure we maintain their services on an ongoing basis, the costs for full cases are between £250-£350, however most only require a certificate at a cost of £50 per case, so its difficult to calculate exact expenditure due to fluctuating take up of the service.
In view of the above this contract falls outside of HBCs Contract Procedure Rules
Contract 1. Independent Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services
Supplier
Contract value
- £30,000 excluding VAT
- £36,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
30 June 2025
Contract dates
- 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85310000 - Social work services
Contract locations
- UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
Chapel Mediation
St Clare's Chapel, Victoria Road
Barnard Castle, County Durham
DL12 8HR
United Kingdom
Email: suehall113@gmail.com
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Independent Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services
Contracting authority
Hartlepool Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTCQ-5564-CHJP
Civic Centre, Victoria Road
Hartlepool
TS24 8AY
United Kingdom
Region: UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government