Scope
Description
Cumberland Council is looking to recommission its Mediation, Disagreement & Resolution Services, to begin in April 2026. We are keen to engage with as many organisations as possible who may be able to provide this service.
The Authority is commissioning a Provider to offer a Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service. The Service Provider will be required to deliver mediation services to eligible parents/carers and young people.
These services are designed to help parents/carers and young people resolve disagreements regarding Education, Health and Care needs assessments (EHC), plans and provision.
Eligible service users include the parents/carers of children with SEND who reside in Cumberland, who have been referred to the service by the Authority and young people with SEND who are beyond post-compulsory education, but are still accessing education, who reside in Cumberland and have been referred to the service by the Authority.
There will be an engagement session held on November 25th at 13:00pm via Teams.
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Engagement
Engagement deadline
25 November 2025
Engagement process description
We are inviting all interested organisations to attend this session on the 25th November 2025 at 13:00pm via Microsoft Teams, where there will be representatives from the Children and Family Wellbeing and Strategic Commissioning Teams.
The agenda for the event will include:
• A short presentation
• A Q&A session
Please register your interest on the Chest and complete and return the document attached to the notice.
The Tender for the Contract is expected to be advertised towards the end of November/beginning of December, via the Chest Procurement Portal www.the-chest.org.uk
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government