Tender

Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services

CUMBERLAND COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

05 Dec 2025 at 11:16

Planning

12 Nov 2025 at 08:31

Summary of the contracting process

Cumberland Council is undertaking a procurement process for Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services, aimed at supporting parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Cumberland. This tender falls under the social work and related services category and is part of a sub-central government initiative as described under the UK legal basis 2023/54. The current stage of the procurement is the tender stage, with an active status, indicating that the competition is open. Key dates include the enquiry period until 9th January 2026 and the tender submission deadline on 16th January 2026. The entire process and documentation are accessible via the Council’s online procurement portal, The Chest.

This procurement offers a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in mediation and social work services. The contract, valued at approximately £205K with the possibility of extension, is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs, encouraging smaller enterprises and voluntary sector organisations to participate. Businesses experienced in providing high-quality mediation services, particularly focused on supporting SEND stakeholders, will find this contract particularly beneficial for growth. The procurement method is open and below threshold, fostering wider competition and enabling businesses to leverage their specialised services in a strategic and collaborative environment.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services

Notice 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 PS205K 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.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 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.

Planning Information

We are inviting all interested organisations to attend this session on the 25th November 2025 at 13:00pm via Microsoft Teams, where there will be representatives from the Children and Family Wellbeing and Strategic Commissioning Teams. The agenda for the event will include: • A short presentation • A Q&A session Please register your interest on the Chest and complete and return the document attached to the notice. The Tender for the Contract is expected to be advertised towards the end of November/beginning of December, via the Chest Procurement Portal www.the-chest.org.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05df23
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080059-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
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
£205,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£205,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Dec 20252 days ago
Submission Deadline
16 Jan 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
25 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CUMBERLAND COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
peopleprocurement@cumberland.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CARLISLE
Postcode
CA1 1RD
Post Town
Carlisle
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD1 Cumbria
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD13 Cumberland
Delivery Location
TLD1 Cumbria

Local Authority
Cumberland
Electoral Ward
Castle
Westminster Constituency
Carlisle

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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