Planning

PIN: Market Engagement for Witness Service (2023-2027)

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

30 Sep 2021 at 15:58

Planning

30 Sep 2021 at 14:44

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Justice is in the planning stage for a new procurement process titled "PIN: Market Engagement for Witness Service (2023-2027)," aimed at recommissioning the existing Witness Service that supports witnesses in all Criminal Courts across England and Wales. The procurement activities are scheduled to start with an online Supplier Event on 20 October 2021, and interested parties must express their intent to participate by 14 October 2021. The indicative timeline includes the competitive phase commencing in December 2021 and the launch of the new service by January 2023; the engagement period ends on 31 October 2021.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in justice services, especially those capable of delivering emotional and practical support to witnesses. Companies that emphasise trauma-informed approaches, digital solutions, and flexible service delivery will be particularly well-suited to compete. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to consider participation, as the Ministry of Justice seeks innovative solutions that can adapt to new challenges while enhancing witness support services.

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Notice Title

PIN: Market Engagement for Witness Service (2023-2027)

Notice Description

The Ministry of Justice will shortly commence the procurement of a new contract for the Witness Service. The Witness Service is an existing service which will be recommissioned. The Witness Service has operated in all Criminal Courts in England and Wales since 2003, with a combination of volunteers and paid staff providing emotional and practical support to prosecution and defence witnesses to enable them to give their best evidence. The future service will be materially similar to the current model. However, we will also examine options for future improvement through effective engagement with the market. The Ministry of Justice is seeking a provider to provide support guided by the following principles, reflecting our vision for the service: To continue to deliver a service for witnesses attending court - building on the existing model for support and the significant benefits it provides to witnesses. To provide the service flexibility to better respond to new challenges, including pandemic-like scenarios, future use of Nightingale courts, Extended Operating Hours and support witnesses in giving remote and pre-recorded evidence. To improve the service at a detailed level, learning lessons from victim policy in recent years. This will include working to create a more trauma-informed approach, improving the accessibility of the service and improving partnership working with victim advocates. To create opportunities within the service design to test ambitious options for future improvement of the service, including through digital support. Indicative project milestones include: Competition Live - December 2021 Award confirmed and transition commenced - August 2022 Launch of the Future Witness Service (latest) - January 2021 The scope of the service, is being finalised, including through feedback from the market, and will be confirmed in the Contract notice. Additional information: The Ministry of Justice will shortly commence the procurement of a new contract for the Witness Service. The Witness Service is an existing service which will be recommissioned. The Witness Service has operated in all Criminal Courts in England and Wales since 2003 , which provides emotional and practical support to prosecution and defence witnesses to enable them to give their best evidence . The future service will be materially similar to the current model. However, we will also examine options for future improvement through effective engagement with the market. The Ministry of Justice is seeking a supplier to provide support to witnesses, guided by the following principles, reflecting our vision for the service: o To continue to deliver an effective service for witnesses attending court - building on the existing model for support and the significant benefits it provides to witnesses. o To provide the service flexibility to be able to respond to potential future challenges, including pandemic-like scenarios, use of Nightingale courts, Extended Operating Hours and supporting witnesses in giving remote and pre-recorded evidence. o To improve the service at a detailed level, learning lessons from current delivery and being informed by current and developing victim support policy This will include working to create a more trauma-informed approach, improving the accessibility of the service and improving partnership working with victim advocates. o To create opportunities within the service design to test ambitious options for future improvement of the service, including through digital support. Indicative project milestones include: o Competition Live - December 2021 o Award confirmed and transition commenced - August 2022 o Launch of the Future Witness Service (latest) - January 2023 The scope of the service is being finalised, including through feedback from the market, and will be confirmed in the Contract notice . _________________________________________________ We would like to invite interested parties to attend an online Supplier Event which will take place on 20 October 2021. To express an interest either in attending this event and/or participating in this competition please email: VW.National.Services@justice.gov.uk BY 14 October 2021 We have set up an e-Sourcing event to facilitate market engagement activities and share some documentation ahead of this event. To register, you must have a valid DUNS number for the organisation which you are registering and who will be entering into a contract if invited. Once registered, organisations wishing to participate in the event must send an email to: VW.National.Services@justice.gov.uk You will receive an email acknowledgment of your interest.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-2348b5c2-0abf-4a46-9f7a-f65bb659a1fe
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/87077a4e-5aac-4cbe-ba05-5c4fb2d88e7f
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

75 - Administration, defence and social security services


CPV Codes

75230000 - Justice services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Sep 20214 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Oct 2021Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Cancelled
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1H 9AJ
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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