Scope
Reference
C4368
Description
Mediation service to support children, young people and their parent/carers with mediation and dispute resolution in relation to special education needs (SEN) issues, including where Education, Health and Care Plans assessed by the Council and its key partners are contested by the young person and their parent/carer.
Cheshire East Council is conducting a soft market testing survey to gauge interest from providers in delivering our Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS), a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014.
Cheshire East Council has successfully commissioned a Mediation and Dispute Resolution Service (MDRS) since 2015. We are now exploring options for potential recommissioning and invite feedback from the market through this soft market testing survey. While no final decision has been made regarding the timing or progression of the procurement, your input will be valuable in shaping our approach.
Please note that participation in this survey does not imply any commitment from either party, and the procurement may be delayed or terminated depending on future developments. However, gathering insights now will provide a strong foundation should we proceed at a later stage.
This questionnaire aims to gather the thoughts and experiences of providers who may be interested in our proposed recommissioning.
The deadline for questionnaire responses is: Friday 22nd August 2025. Please upload your response to the Chest by the specified deadline.
Chest Ref: DN785358
You can access and provide your feedback using the link below
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKD6 - Cheshire
Engagement
Engagement deadline
22 August 2025
Engagement process description
Cheshire East Council is conducting a soft market testing survey to gauge interest from providers in delivering our Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS), a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014.
Cheshire East Council has successfully commissioned a Mediation and Dispute Resolution Service (MDRS) since 2015. We are now exploring options for potential recommissioning and invite feedback from the market through this soft market testing survey. While no final decision has been made regarding the timing or progression of the procurement, your input will be valuable in shaping our approach.
Please note that participation in this survey does not imply any commitment from either party, and the procurement may be delayed or terminated depending on future developments. However, gathering insights now will provide a strong foundation should we proceed at a later stage.
This questionnaire aims to gather the thoughts and experiences of providers who may be interested in our proposed recommissioning.
The deadline for questionnaire responses is: Friday 22nd August 2025. Please upload your response to the Chest by the specified deadline.
https://procontract.due-north.com/
Chest Ref: DN785358
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 October 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Cheshire East Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTWR-7124-XZXQ
Delamere House, Delamere Street
Crewe
CW12JZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKD62 - Cheshire East
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government