Scope
Description
Cumberland Council wishes to commission a single supplier for the provision of Mediation, Resolution and Disagreement Service from 01st April 2026.
Cumberland Council is legally required under the Children and Families Act 2014 to provide mediation and disagreement resolution services for parents/carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The contract will commence on 01st April 2026 and will continue for a period of three years.
There is the potential for a contract extension of two X up to 12 months period depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
The estimated total value of the contract over the total contract period (including any extension periods) is a maximum value of £205K but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract.
For further details and to access the tender documents, including the specification, use the council's online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk.
Registration on The Chest is free. All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT.
Total value (estimated)
- £205,000 excluding VAT
- £245,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
There is the potential for a contract extension of two x up to 12 months, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
UK suppliers
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 January 2026, 10:30am
Tender submission deadline
16 January 2026, 10:30am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70% |
| Price | Price | 20% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Technical specifications to be met
https://www.the-chest.org.uk
Registration on The Chest is Free
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