Scope
Reference
Project_9994
Description
The Department for Education (DfE) requires a supplier to provide an independent adjudication service in relation to Ofsted's handling of complaints about its work including: handling individual complaints, the provision of advice, regular reporting regarding the volume and nature of the complaint, and publication of an annual report. The adjudication service is independent of Ofsted. Conclusions and recommendations are independent of both Ofsted and DfE.
The supplier will refer to the service as the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO) and is required to identify themselves as the supplier of this service and provide information regarding the service with a webpage that can be referred to on Ofsted's webpage.
The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations.
Contract 1. Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for OFSTED (ICASO)
Supplier
Contract value
- £124,500 excluding VAT
- £149,400 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
22 October 2025
Contract dates
- 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2028
- Possible extension to 31 October 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The contract shall run from the effective date for an initial period of 3 years (the contract period) with an option to extend for up to 12 months reviewed at the end of the 3 year period if required.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79422000 - Arbitration and conciliation services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Key performance indicators
| Name |
|---|
| ICASO to check eligibility of complaint with Ofsted within five working days of receipt of the complaint referral. |
| Adjudication reports to be provided within 25 days of receipt of Ofsted's complaint summary. |
| Recommendations made must fall within the scope of the ICASO. |
| Adjudication reports must be completed within three months of receiving the complaint referral, unless otherwise agreed. |
| Quarterly performance reports are produced and submitted on the dates agreed. |
| Annual Reports are submitted to Ofsted for comments one month prior to publication. |
| Annual Reports are published on the ICASO website by 31 March each year. |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
CEDR Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBPR-5822-DRBQ
100 St. Paul's Churchyard
London
EC4M 8BU
United Kingdom
Email: info@cedr.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Department for Education
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDZG-3487-DPVD
Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P3BT
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government