Scope
Description
Ofcom is the UK regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day. We regulate the TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms, mobiles, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate.
Accountable to Parliament, we set and enforce regulatory rules for the sectors for which we have responsibility. We also have powers to enforce competition law in those sectors, alongside the Competition and Markets Authority.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has media literacy duties including a responsibility to commission activities that support women and girls, help people spot and avoid misinformation, and understand how platforms use our personal data. This ITT sets out our requirements to support children and their parents in Birmingham to improve their media literacy skills.
Birmingham was previously identified as an area that could greatly benefit from programmes designed to improve media literacy skills, due to high levels of 'passive and uncommitted users' (Internet User Classification dataset). In 2024 two organisations were commissioned by Ofcom to deliver media literacy interventions in levelling up areas in East Birmingham. These programmes delivered media literacy content via theatre in education, assemblies, workshops and media to more than 6,300 participants including pupils, parents and teachers.
There was valuable insight gained into what could be improved about the programmes and how more effective delivery could be provided. For example, the theatre in education programme evaluation evidenced that delivering outcomes supporting children to manage use of their first smartphone was particularly impactful, with a suggestion that further interventions should focus on Year 6 children, as they are most likely in the age group to be receiving their first smartphone.
Total value (estimated)
- £100,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 14 December 2026
- Possible extension to 14 December 2027
- 2 years
Description of possible extension:
Any contract(s) awarded following the conclusion of the tender process will be for an initial duration of 1 year. At Ofcom's absolute discretion, the Contract may be extended for up to 1 further period of up to twelve months. The maximum length of the contract is therefore 2 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80521000 - Training programme services
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
7 November 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
14 November 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
1) Experience of delivering media literacy skills development activities - 20%
2) Delivery - 25%
3) Knowledge of community - 25%
4) Evaluation - 10%
5) Price - 20%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
Ofcom
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQQZ-1663-NWMN
Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA
United Kingdom
Email: procurementnotice@ofcom.org.uk
Website: http://www.ofcom.org.uk
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government