Scope
Reference
UOW975
Description
The service is required to provide a point of contact for students who need support when the University's daytime support service is not available. This will include providing a crisis service. This will be required on weekends and weekdays from 4.30pm until 8.30am the following day.
The service must be free for students to access and use. It must provide a quick response within one minute and students must have immediate access to a counsellor and not be directed through a triage system. Counsellors must be able to provide support by telephone and text. You should provide an interpretation service or language assistance for students who are not native English speakers. Hindi, Nigerian and Nepalese are our most commonly spoken foreign languages.
Counsellors should be BACP qualified or equivalent to level 4 or above with supervision in line with BACP recommendations.
You should have safeguarding procedures in place for situations involving children and vulnerable adults and protocols in place to handle high risk students including risk assessments with escalation procedures for crisis situations.
The service must validate each service user to ensure only eligible university students utilise the service. Supplier responses should include details of how that will be achieved along with any salient options.
Total value (estimated)
- £0 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2029
- Possible extension to 9 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
2 x 12 month
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85312300 - Guidance and counselling services
- 85312320 - Counselling services
Submission
Tender submission deadline
4 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
quality 70% - price 30%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
University of Worcester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYJR-8772-LLDP
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKG12 - Worcestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government