Scope
Reference
002499
Description
This contract is for Independent Mediation Service for Education, Health and Care Assessments and Reviews and Disagreement Resolution Service for Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Durham County Council is looking for a single provider to deliver this service.
It is a requirement of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years that all local authorities must have in place a mediation information and advice service which is independent of the local authority. This service will offer independent mediation to families and will provide an opportunity to resolve issues linked to requests for an Education, Health and Care Assessment and the outcome of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan Assessments / Reviews prior to families lodging an appeal with a Tribunal.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £250,000 excluding VAT
- £300,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
17 October 2025
Contract dates
- 20 October 2025 to 19 October 2027
- Possible extension to 19 October 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The options to extend for up to three periods of up to twelve months each from the contract end date.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract has a potential to be increased due to demand.
Any consequences of the White paper that is due to be released in Autumn 2025 that may have impact.
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
WHY MEDIATE LIMITED
- Companies House: 09148466
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXDC-1269-PQCL
Enterprise House The Courtyard
Bromborough
CH62 4UE
United Kingdom
Email: help@mediatelegal.co.uk
Website: http://www.mediatelegal.co.uk
Region: UKD74 - Wirral
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government