Scope
Reference
NCCT43111
Description
Norfolk County council is looking to award a contract for the provision of SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution. The Children and Families Act 2014 requires Mediation and Disagreement Resolution (MDR) services to be put in place by Local Authorities and health commissioners.
Norfolk's MDR service is jointly commissioned between Norfolk County Council and NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Disagreement Resolution and Mediation is a voluntary, private and confidential process. The aim is to bring people together in a facilitated way to find solutions to their disagreements.
It can save time and pressure for all involved and it can help re-build relationships that have broken down. Early resolution of disagreements benefits children, young people, parents, carers, institutions, and professionals' party to the disagreement.
•Mediation focuses on elements of an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in education, social care, or health. It is used at various stages of the process and is specifically linked to decisions about EHCP needs assessments and plans.
•Disagreement Resolution focuses on any element of SEND provision, not just those who are being assessed for (or have) an EHCP.
Total value (estimated)
- £600,000 excluding VAT
- £720,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
- UKH16 - North and West Norfolk
- UKH17 - Breckland and South Norfolk
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
The Council will be assessing the legal, financial and technical ability of bidders to perform the contract being procured as set out in the Invitation to Tender. This assessment includes past experience, financial suitability, health and safety, modern slavery and references. These are all designated as pass/fail criteria.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 May 2025, 11:00am
Tender submission deadline
19 May 2025, 11:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
This procurement will be managed electronically via the Council`s e-procurement system. To participate in this procurement and gain access to documents when they are available, applicants must first be registered on the system at
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc (https://intendhost.
. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc/aspx/BuyerProfiles
(https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc/aspx/BuyerProfiles)
.Once registered you will be able to see the procurement project under the `tenders` section and `express an interest` in this tender. If you encounter any difficulties whilst using the system you can contact the In-tend support team by phoning +44 8442728810 or e-mailing
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
20 June 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 17 April 2028
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Delivery Plan | Quality | 35% | |
| Management of the Service | Quality | 35% | |
| Price | Pricing is split as following MIAS (8%) Mediation (15%) Disagreement Resolution (2%) Late Cancellation / resolved pre - meeting (5%) |
Price | 30% |
Other information
Payment terms
As per the terms and condition issued with this procurement.
Description of risks to contract performance
Norfolk County Council has joined the government's Devolution Priority Programme.
This process has the potential to lead to the establishment of a county combined authority for Norfolk and Suffolk, with strategic powers, headed by an elected mayor. A consultation is under way.
Government has also invited participation by Norfolk in Local Government Review. This process has the potential to lead to unitary local government in Norfolk. One of these changes could happen without the other. The contract may be assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to Norfolk County Council or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor. The County Council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
MDR Needs Assessment Mar 25 Scedule 1 Appendix 1.docx
MDR Service Spec fv.docx
Performance Schedule - MDR VF.docx
Schedule 1 Appendix 3 Flourishing-in-norfolk-strategy (1).pdf
Schedule 1, appendix 2 Key Contacts.docx
VF Children for NCCT43111 Mediation and Disagreement resolution MDR.docx
fv Mediation and Disagreement Resolution ITT.docx
Contracting authority
Norfolk County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYH-3246-XWTR
County Hall, Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DH
United Kingdom
Email: sourcingteam@norfolk.gov.uk
Region: UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government