Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Department for Education
Sanctuary Buildings, 20, Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
HEFE.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 3700002288
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UK - UNITED KINGDOM
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
In-Service Training for FE Teaching
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Department is looking to engage a provider/s to be a national delivery partner to deliver Taking Teaching Further (TTF), to support FE providers to recruit new teachers to teach in the Further Education sector. TTF is currently managed by one supplier. The service requirements include, but not limited to administration of funding, general administration, evaluation, market insight, marketing, and end to end programme management.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 75000000 - Administration, defence and social security services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - UNITED KINGDOM
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Given the wider economic importance of FE in raising skills levels and providing a passport to opportunity for young people and adults – particularly through the successful delivery of T Levels and apprenticeships – we need sufficient numbers of highly skilled teachers in place to deliver high quality, work relevant skills training. But there is also a very real need for those teachers to possess industry expertise and excellent teaching skills. This is paramount for delivering first-rate FE teaching.
Outline Requirement
The aim of TTF is to increase the number of highly skilled teachers in place to deliver high quality, work relevant skills training by supporting FE providers to recruit and retain new teachers.
TTF seeks to do this by funding FE providers to recruit new teachers. The main components of the programme are:
i. Training while teaching, which is consistent with FE culture and offers career changers the security of a job and a salary;
ii. Part-time study, which is a sustainable way of learning while also working in a teaching role, and a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET), which is the right qualification level;
iii. Mentoring / work shadowing and a reduced workload in the first year of teaching, to create the capacity and support to train; and
iv. An externally contracted delivery partner to administer funding to providers, provide additional support, including information and advice to promote the programme, and secure take up.
Current Provision
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) have delivered this programme through three pilot rounds, from 2018/19 to 2021/22 and a fourth round has just been announced. For further information, please see the ETF website. https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/supporting/support-teacher-recruitment/taking-teaching-further/
Planned TTF Growth
Given the current shortage of FE teachers, we are developing proposals to continue to deliver the initiative. Rounds 1 and 2 offered places for 150 teachers, and round 3 made 550 places available. Round 4 will make a further 550 places available to the sector. The size and scope of this initiative in the future is expanding in response to participant feedback but the extent of these changes is yet to be confirmed. However, based on current information, we anticipate it could be around 1,000 places in the first year, rising to 4,000 in the third year.
Market Engagement
We would like to engage with organisations that have delivered similar funding programmes. DfE invites suggestions and feedback on the proposed content and structure of the programme from the market, including industry experts, specialists and suppliers.
To participate in market engagement please email: with any suggestions and/or feedback in your email, along with the following details:
1) Organisation name;
2) Contact name;
3) Job title of contact (including responsibility within your organisation);
4) Contact phone number;
5) Contact email;
6) Organisation website link.
DFE are also hosting a Market Engagement event which will take place:
Date: w/c 22nd February 2021
Location: Online due to current lockdown restrictions
If you wish to attend the event please email: HEFE.Commercial@education.gov.uk including the name of your organisation and the names of no more than two proposed attendees by 15th February 2021. Title the email ‘In-Service Training for FE Teaching Market Engagement Event’. Acknowledgment and further information regarding your presentation slot will be sent by Monday 8th February 2021 (for those who reply after the 8th February, an acknowledgement response will be sent within 24 hours).
This PIN does not constitute a commitment by the department to begin any procurement activity or award a contract in relation to the PIN’s subject matter. Attendees are responsible for their own costs of attending the event.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
4 June 2021
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes