Scope
Description
Defra is responsible for managing a confidential and sensitive project that is exploring options to deliver organisational change to support a long-term strategic objective. The project is complex, multi-year, and involves stakeholders who are accustomed to current arrangements and may be resistant even to the discussion of change.
We require an experienced Stakeholder Engagement Adviser to provide strategic advice and support in shaping and delivering an engagement approach that helps to build trust, address concerns, and guide stakeholders through a common-sense discussion of the options and their benefits/disbenefits, and potentially also a sensitive transition process. Defra has already completed stakeholder mapping but requires support in engagement planning, advisory services, and risk management.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 April 2026 to 21 April 2027
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79112100 - Stakeholders representation services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79416100 - Public relations management services
- 79416000 - Public relations services
- 79420000 - Management-related services
- 79416200 - Public relations consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
24 November 2025
Engagement process description
Please refer to the Expression of Interest Document attached to this notice for more information.
Defra is responsible for managing a confidential and sensitive project that is exploring options to deliver organisational change to support a long-term strategic objective. The project is complex, multi-year, and involves stakeholders who are accustomed to current arrangements and may be resistant even to the discussion of change.
We require an experienced Stakeholder Engagement Adviser to provide strategic advice and support in shaping and delivering an engagement approach that helps to build trust, address concerns, and guide stakeholders through a common-sense discussion of the options and their benefits/disbenefits, and potentially also a sensitive transition process. Defra has already completed stakeholder mapping but requires support in engagement planning, advisory services, and risk management.
The contract is anticipated to commence in March/April 2026 for a period of 12 months.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 December 2025
Contracting authority
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Katie Thompson
Email: katie.thompson@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government