Scope
Reference
SWE10553
Description
Social Work England intends to procure a suitably qualified and experienced training provider to design, deliver and continuously improve a comprehensive training programme for Adjudicators, Legal Advisers (Partners) and Case Examiners involved in Fitness to Practise (FtP) decision-making. The programme will support newly appointed decision-makers through mandatory induction training and provide ongoing annual refresher training for existing cohorts, ensuring consistency, legal soundness and quality across all FtP decisions.
The appointed provider will be required to develop, implement and deliver training covering the statutory and regulatory framework applicable to Social Work England's adjudication and case examination functions. This includes but is not limited to: the Fitness to Practise Rules 2019 (as amended), the Social Workers Regulations 2018 (as amended), relevant regulatory case law, approaches to impairment, preliminary issues, procedural fairness, managing unrepresented registrants, avoiding bias, the realistic prospect test, and drafting clear and reasoned decisions. The training must incorporate interactive and practice-based learning, with anonymised examples where appropriate.
Training for FtP Partners will be delivered remotely. Training for Case Examiners will be delivered through a blend of remote, hybrid or in-person sessions, including an initial two-day programme. The contract includes the development of webinars, e-learning modules, virtual workshops, peer-led learning forums and reflective practice groups to broaden access through Social Work England's digital learning platform. All training must incorporate principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including relevant legal duties, unconscious bias mitigation and cultural competence.
The provider will collaborate closely with Social Work England's Fitness to Practise, Legal and ED&I teams in planning, reviewing and refining the training offer. They will also be responsible for supplying training materials, pre-reading, recordings and an annual programme of delivery. Ongoing evaluation and quarterly performance reporting will be required, alongside participation in continuous improvement activity informed by appeals, Professional Standards Authority learning and internal quality assurance.
The initial contract term will be three years, with the option to extend for a further two years.
Total value (estimated)
- £354,167 excluding VAT
- £425,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 16 March 2026 to 15 March 2029
- Possible extension to 15 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The authority may, at its sole discretion, exercise extension options of up to an additional two years (in one or more increments), contingent upon ongoing requirements and acceptable contractor performance.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract may include optional additional services proposed by the supplier, which the authority may take up at its discretion if deemed to meet organisational needs. These optional services are not guaranteed and will be subject to agreement following award.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79140000 - Legal advisory and information services
- 80500000 - Training services
Contract locations
- UKE32 - Sheffield
Participation
Technical ability conditions of participation
Social Work England will apply the following conditions of participation within the single-stage procurement process. Equivalent qualifications, experience, or standards will be accepted.
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Tenderers should propose a lead trainer (or equivalent key personnel) who holds a recognised legal qualification (such as solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive), or an equivalent professional legal qualification, together with a minimum of five (5) years' post-qualification experience or equivalent level of professional experience. Evidence should be provided.
Experience in Health and Social Care Regulatory Work
Tenderers should demonstrate experience working within, or providing services to, a health or social care regulator or an equivalent regulatory environment. Evidence of relevant roles, projects, or clients should be provided.
Experience Delivering Training to Legal or Regulatory Decision-Makers
Tenderers should demonstrate experience in designing and delivering training for legal or regulatory decision-makers (e.g., adjudicators, case examiners, panel members, legal advisers) or equivalent audiences in comparable regulatory or legal contexts. Evidence should be provided.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
15 December 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
19 December 2025, 5:30pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
21 January 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 November 2030
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Life Cost | Price | 30.00% |
| Relevant Experience | Quality | 14.00% |
| Training Design and Content | Quality | 14.00% |
| Learning Outcomes and Impact | Quality | 14.00% |
| Understanding of Requirements | Quality | 10.50% |
| Quality Assurance | Quality | 10.50% |
| Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Accessibility (Social Value) | Quality | 7.00% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Changes to Social Work England's rules, regulations, or Fitness to Practise procedures could result in training content becoming outdated or outside the provider's current area of expertise.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Reduced tendering period
Yes
Qualifying planned procurement notice - minimum 10 days
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/socialworkengland/aspx/Home
Full tender documents are available to all suppliers via Social Work England's e-procurement website.
Contracting authority
Social Work England
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZYZ-1666-HXBQ
1 North Bank, Blonk Street
Sheffield
S3 8JY
United Kingdom
Contact name: Andrew Bailey
Email: commercial.team@socialworkengland.org.uk
Website: https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk
Region: UKE32 - Sheffield
Organisation type: Public authority - central government