Scope
Reference
DN786664
Description
Liverpool City Council is seeking providers to deliver disagreement resolution and mediation services in line with its statutory obligations under the Children and Families Act 2014.
These services include:
• Mediation advice, and
• Mediation and disagreement resolution services,
Each service plays a distinct role within the legal framework and aims to support families and young people in resolving disputes related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
To ensure impartiality and confidentiality, the services must be delivered independently of the Council. Their purpose is to facilitate early resolution of disputes, helping to avoid formal legal proceedings and reducing the need for appeals to the SEND Tribunal, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Total value (estimated)
- £425,000 excluding VAT
- £510,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2028
- Possible extension to 31 July 2028
- 2 years, 6 months
Description of possible extension:
The contract includes an option to extend for a further six months, subject to satisfactory performance and agreement by both parties.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services
Contract locations
- UKD72 - Liverpool
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
22 October 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
3 November 2025, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the ProContract portal: https://procontract.due-north.com/
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous tender, assessed using the following criteria:
Quality - 70%
Price - 20%
Social Value - 10%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Liverpool City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRVY-7813-WLPG
Cunard Building
Liverpool
L3 1DS
United Kingdom
Contact name: Gill Astill
Email: commercialprocurement@liverpool.gov.uk
Website: https://www.liverpool.gov.uk
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government