Planning

Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS)

CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

04 Aug 2025 at 14:43

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cheshire East Council is in the planning stage of a procurement process for the Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS), a statutory service under the Children and Families Act 2014. The council, located in Crewe, United Kingdom, has initiated a soft market testing survey to gauge provider interest in delivering this service. This engagement revolves around the special education needs (SEN) and involves social work and related services, classified under CPV code 85300000. Responses to the survey are required by 22nd August 2025, and a future notice is anticipated by 1st October 2025. The procurement involves a light-touch regime and setting aside opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs, aiming for a contract period commencement on 1st April 2026.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities, especially for organisations involved in social work and related services. Companies that deliver mediation and dispute resolution services, particularly within the framework of educational needs, will find this procurement well aligned with their capabilities. With the procurement at the engagement stage, businesses have the chance to shape the service specifications to match their expertise and capacities. Engaging with Cheshire East Council during this planning phase could open doors for long-term collaborative partnerships, especially given the contract’s potential extension to 2031, allowing for stability and growth in service delivery. Suitability conditions favour SMEs and VCSEs, making it an accessible opportunity for smaller or socially-focused enterprises.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS)

Notice Description

Mediation service to support children, young people and their parent/carers with mediation and dispute resolution in relation to special education needs (SEN) issues, including where Education, Health and Care Plans assessed by the Council and its key partners are contested by the young person and their parent/carer. Cheshire East Council is conducting a soft market testing survey to gauge interest from providers in delivering our Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS), a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014. Cheshire East Council has successfully commissioned a Mediation and Dispute Resolution Service (MDRS) since 2015. We are now exploring options for potential recommissioning and invite feedback from the market through this soft market testing survey. While no final decision has been made regarding the timing or progression of the procurement, your input will be valuable in shaping our approach. Please note that participation in this survey does not imply any commitment from either party, and the procurement may be delayed or terminated depending on future developments. However, gathering insights now will provide a strong foundation should we proceed at a later stage. This questionnaire aims to gather the thoughts and experiences of providers who may be interested in our proposed recommissioning. The deadline for questionnaire responses is: Friday 22nd August 2025. Please upload your response to the Chest by the specified deadline. Chest Ref: DN785358 You can access and provide your feedback using the link below https://procontract.due-north.com/RFx/RFxSummary?rfxId=b3532762-3e71-f011-813a-005056b64545&projectId=fa125d7c-3d71-f011-813a-005056b64545

Planning Information

Cheshire East Council is conducting a soft market testing survey to gauge interest from providers in delivering our Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS), a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014. Cheshire East Council has successfully commissioned a Mediation and Dispute Resolution Service (MDRS) since 2015. We are now exploring options for potential recommissioning and invite feedback from the market through this soft market testing survey. While no final decision has been made regarding the timing or progression of the procurement, your input will be valuable in shaping our approach. Please note that participation in this survey does not imply any commitment from either party, and the procurement may be delayed or terminated depending on future developments. However, gathering insights now will provide a strong foundation should we proceed at a later stage. This questionnaire aims to gather the thoughts and experiences of providers who may be interested in our proposed recommissioning. The deadline for questionnaire responses is: Friday 22nd August 2025. Please upload your response to the Chest by the specified deadline. https://procontract.due-north.com/ Chest Ref: DN785358

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058083
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045729-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurementeast@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CREWE
Postcode
CW1 2JZ
Post Town
Crewe
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD62 Cheshire East
Delivery Location
TLD6 Cheshire
Local Authority
Cheshire East
Electoral Ward
Crewe Central
Westminster Constituency
Crewe and Nantwich

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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