Planning

Democratic Engagement Projects: engaging under-registered groups in democracy

THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

Planning

04 Dec 2025 at 16:29

Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

24 Nov 2025 at 12:45

Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

21 Nov 2025 at 14:38

Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

19 Nov 2025 at 14:00

Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

19 Nov 2025 at 13:16

Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Electoral Commission is planning a tender process titled "Democratic Engagement Projects: engaging under-registered groups in democracy," aimed at increasing democratic participation among groups facing barriers to voting. This planned procurement falls under the industry category of Electronic information services and Provision of services to the community, with projects categorised into distinct lots addressing innovative approaches to democratic engagement, accessible voting, digital engagement, and initiatives in Scotland. The budget for the 2025/2026 period is set at £390,000, with a tender value of £100,000, going up to £5,000 for any single initiative. The process follows an open procurement method above threshold a future notice date set for 8th December 2025, with the contract beginning on 1st February 2026 and ending on 31st August 2027. Interested parties should register on the Electoral Commission's procurement portal and express interest via email by specifying the lot/s they plan to apply for.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for organisations with expertise in community or democratic engagement to drive growth. Suitable contestants include SMEs and VCSEs, with the aim to foster innovation and creativity through partnerships. Diverse initiatives are encouraged, ranging from traditional education activities to tech-based solutions and capacity-building events, with successful projects potentially enhancing engagement strategies and impact measurement. While primarily targeting organisations with proven engagement experience, partnerships with research and consultancy firms are welcomed under joint submissions. Firms seeking to expand their impact on democratic participation and community engagement across the UK will find this tender of particular interest.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Democratic Engagement Projects: engaging under-registered groups in democracy

Notice Description

We will commission projects which aim to increase democratic participation among groups who are less likely to be registered to vote and those who face other barriers. More information on these groups can be found in the attached EOI document. We will commission projects grouped under the following Lots: Lot 1: Action research projects, to pilot new and innovative approaches to democratic engagement in England Lot 2: Accessible voting projects, to support disabled and neurodivergent voters across the UK Lot 3: Digital engagement projects, to engage new and diverse audiences and explore the role that digital engagement can have in increasing participation Lot 4 - Democratic Engagement Projects (Scotland) - small to medium scale projects that will pilot new and innovative approaches in Scotland only. We welcome a wide range of initiatives. We will encourage innovation and creativity from partners, while incorporating best practice in education and community engagement. Initiatives could include traditional education interventions, activities to upskill professionals and trusted community voices, initiatives to build capacity to deliver democratic engagement, events, tech-based solutions, and awareness raising activities. Projects should explore a range of topics based on what is important to their audiences, such as: - Registering to vote - The voter ID requirement - Ways to vote - How to identify mis- and disinformation - What to expect at the polling station - Upcoming changes to elections This call is intended for organisations with a proven track record of delivering community or democratic engagement activities. While we welcome diverse expertise, applications from organisations whose primary focus is academic research, consultancy or market analysis are discouraged unless they are part of a joint bid led by an organisation with the required experience. Next steps If you are interested in applying for this tender, please register your interest. 1. Register on the portal The expected invitation to tender will be published on the Electoral Commission's Procurement Portal, please register as a supplier by following this link https://in-tendhost.co.uk/electoralcommission If you need help with registering, please may you contact the In-tend Technical Helpdesk on 0114 407 0065. 2. Contact procurement, register interest Once you have registered on the portal, please contact us stating which lot/s you intend on applying for. There is no need to formally respond to the tender at this stage with an application. To express interest, please: 1. Register on the Electoral Commission's In-Tend Procurement Portal 2. Email procurement@electoralcommission.org.uk with confirmation of interest. Please include 'WP132 Democratic Engagement Projects 2025-30' in the subject line. Contact details Name: The Electoral Commission - Procurement Team Email address: procurement@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-49e4abf1-2c8a-4889-b46b-04abfeccb6c1
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/1c008db4-4a27-47fb-8a4e-444a5570b368
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

64 - Postal and telecommunications services

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

64216200 - Electronic information services

75200000 - Provision of services to the community

79315000 - Social research services

98300000 - Miscellaneous services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Dec 2025Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Dec 20253 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2026 - 31 Aug 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Contact Name
The Procurement Team
Contact Email
procurement@electoralcommission.org.uk
Contact Phone
02072710739

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
EC1Y 8YZ
Post Town
Central London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI43 Haringey and Islington
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Islington
Electoral Ward
Bunhill
Westminster Constituency
Islington South and Finsbury

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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