Scope
Reference
C053/2025/2026
Description
Welsh Government is aiming to contract with a single provider who will provide expert level Welsh Language Training and different training interventions to offer a selection of opportunities that can meet the differing learning styles of staff in the organisation. This includes colleagues with additional learning needs, for example dyslexic or British Sign Language users, where tailored, bespoke training interventions are required.
Welsh Government has committed to delivering a bilingual working Strategy, 'Cymraeg: It belongs to us all' which sets out the ambition for all staff to work bilingually by 2050. To fulfil this ambition, it has committed to support colleagues to improve their Welsh language skills through a range of training opportunities in order to reach the strategy's ambitious goal of creating a bilingual organisation by 2050.
The contract will also need to deliver expert consultation on a routine basis on the academic elements of teaching Welsh as a second language to adults.
It is understood that the National Centre for Learning Welsh is the only supplier in the market that can meet the organisation's requirements of providing a pan-Wales, varied, future-focused adult training programme while providing expert consultation. The National Centre provides Learn Welsh provision across Wales by coordinating a network of 11 Regional Learn Welsh providers. They also coordinate a national Learn Welsh curriculum and produce national resources. They therefore have access to teaching expertise on a national and local basis and can source specialist tutors to suit specific needs (such as BSL).
Contract 1. Welsh language training provision
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,500,000 excluding VAT
- £1,500,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
12 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 August 2025 to 31 July 2027
- Possible extension to 31 July 2029
- 3 years, 11 months, 18 days
Description of possible extension:
Length of Extension: two years
The Contract can only be extended in accordance with Condition 3 (Commencement and Duration) of the Welsh Government's Standard Conditions of Contract for Services.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80580000 - Provision of language courses
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
N/A
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Light touch
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Welsh Government are of the view that from the information provided above, the single tender request is in line with the principles of Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act as outlined above, as there is no single competitor in the market that could deliver the range and volume of services we require. There is no competitor to the Centre; it is the only such organisation in Wales. It is the centre of excellence, expertise and knowledge for Welsh language adult training provision. There are no competitors rendering redundant an OJEU competition.
Supplier
Y Ganolfan Dysgu Cymraeg Genedlaethol / National Centre for Learning Welsh
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTQC-9497-QZVW
Heol y Coleg / College Rd
Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen
SA31 3EQ
United Kingdom
Telephone: 03003234324
Region: UKL14 - South West Wales
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Welsh language training provision
Contracting authority
Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQYQ-3841-BHTP
Gwasanaethau Caffael Corfforaethol / Corporate Procurement Services
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Lois Ponting
Telephone: 03000259406
Email: lois.ponting@gov.wales
Website: http://gov.wales
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales