Tender

Evaluation of the Transform Programme

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

15 Jan 2026 at 14:05

Summary of the contracting process

Arts Council England, a public authority under central government, is currently in the tender stage of a procurement process seeking a contractor to evaluate the Transform Programme. This procurement is an open competition with a focus on economic research services, categorized under CPV code 79311400. The contract opportunity is valued at £60,000 gross, with the procurement method being below threshold - open competition. This initiative aims to gather insights into the implementation and effectiveness of the Transform funding programme. Businesses interested need to submit their proposals before the tender closes on 12th February 2026. The contract period is planned to commence on 16th March 2026 and conclude by 14th September 2026, with a possible extension until March 2027. The procurement activities are centred in Manchester, United Kingdom.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in economic research services to contribute to Arts Council England's strategic initiatives. Ideal candidates would include SMEs and VCSEs with expertise in project evaluation and management, capable of delivering quality research outcomes. The evaluation seeks to empower participating organisations by enhancing their financial and operational resilience, offering a prospect for businesses that prioritise strategic consulting and analysis within cultural sectors. The tender requires keen insight into risk and project management, alongside strong capabilities in understanding the intricacies of the arts funding landscape, making it an attractive proposition for firms with proven expertise in these areas.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Evaluation of the Transform Programme

Notice Description

Arts Council England is seeking to commission a supplier to conduct an evaluation of the Transform funding programme. Transform was launched in response to current National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) who received a conditional offer of a reduction in the 2023-2026 Investment Programme. Arts Council aimed to support these organisations to adapt to these changes in a measured and sustainable to enable them to continue to bring creativity and culture to visitors and audiences. Transform focused on facilitating organisations to implement significant changes to their business model over three years, enabling them to improve their financial resilience and operate sustainability at reduced levels of Arts Council investment. Arts Council England is now seeking a Contractor to deliver an independent programme level evaluation of Transform. The main aim of the evaluation is to capture learning from Transform to help us understand how we delivered the programme and demonstrate the effectiveness of the programme in meeting its original aims and the needs of the funded organisations. The evaluation is an opportunity to gather internal learnings about the design and delivery of the programme; the level of support provided to organisations and to inform Arts Council's approach to supporting organisational and business development in the future. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Manchester:-Economic-research-services./HG4YSK4GJ9 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/HG4YSK4GJ9

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0606bd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003521-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
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

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


CPV Codes

79311400 - Economic research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jan 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
12 Feb 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Mar 2026 - 14 Sep 2026 6-12 months
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
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Contact Name
Ben Lane
Contact Email
procurement@artscouncil.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M1 1FN
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Piccadilly
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

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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