Planning

Social Work National Professional Development Offer Market Engagement

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

29 Jan 2026 at 12:19

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

28 Jan 2026 at 15:20

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education is currently in the planning stage for the Social Work National Professional Development Offer Market Engagement. This initiative is aimed at developing a comprehensive professional development offer for Child and Family Social Workers, aimed at strengthening post-qualification support and establishing clear career pathways. The procurement process, registered under ID 007998-2026, involves preliminary market engagement activities, with key dates including an initial engagement event scheduled for 9th February 2026, followed by one-to-one sessions between 13th and 19th February 2026. The procurement belongs to the service industry category, specifically specialist training services, and covers multiple regions across the United Kingdom, including UKC, UKD, UKF, UKG, UKH, UKJ, and UKK. The planning process will continue until the end of March 2026, with opportunities for businesses to engage through the Jaggaer e-Tendering platform.

This tender signifies a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in large-scale professional training, workforce development programmes, change management, and the design of inclusive learning solutions. It is particularly promising for SMEs and VCSEs, as the Department for Education intends to facilitate opportunities for these types of enterprises to participate in the procurement process. Businesses with expertise in creating multi-agency collaboration models or those skilled in designing programmes with compliance and accessibility at the forefront are well-suited to contribute to this development offer. The initiative supports the goal of enhancing social work capabilities and offers a potential avenue for businesses to expand their footprint in the public sector services market.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Start Free Trial Book a Demo
All Features Pricing

Notice Information

Notice Title

Social Work National Professional Development Offer Market Engagement

Notice Description

The Department for Education (DfE) is exploring the development of a national progressional development offer for Child and Family Social Workers to strengthen post-qualification support and create clearer career pathways that recognise the specialised skills required for child protection work. DfE is seeking to engage with the market to help inform the design and potential delivery approach for a future Social Work National Professional Development Offer (SWNPDO) Indicative Programme scope: Programme components: The Early Career Development Programme (ECDP) An enhanced early career offer that would extend support for child and family social workers from one year to two years, underpinned by new professional Standards, which set out the knowledge and skills expected by the end of year two. Advanced Child Protection Programme (ACPP) A proposed 12 month programme for Lead Child Protection Practitioners (LCPP) and those aspiring to the role, focused on strengthening advanced child protection knowledge and skills to support effective delivery within multi agency child protection teams Leadership and Supervision Programme A proposed national programme to support Children's Social Care leaders below Director level, aimed at equipping leaders to drive change, strengthen multi agency collaboration, and support improved outcomes for children and families. DCS Leadership Programme Support and development for aspirant and new DCSs that strengthens leadership and enables effective delivery. Next Steps and Market Engagement DfE is considering its approach to the procurement and development of SWNPDO and is keen to engage with suppliers on programme design and delivery models. Supplier experience and capability (indicative) To support this engagement, the Department would be interested in feedback from suppliers with experience in: * Delivering large scale professional training or workforce development programmes * Change management and evaluating impact * Designing accessible, inclusive and compliant learning solutions These capability areas are indicative and do not constitute formal selection or evaluation criteria. Feedback from the market will be taken into consideration to help shape the departments proposed scope to ensure that the offer meets the sector's needs. Important notice This notice: * Does not signify the commencement of a competitive procurement * Does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education to procure services * Does not create any obligation on the Department The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations. Any funding estimates referenced are indicative only and subject to change. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final scope or funding envelope of any future contractual activity. We are currently reviewing the length of service and the budget for SWNPDO, and these details will be confirmed at a later date. The contract start date provided is indicative, and both the start and end dates will be confirmed in due course.

Planning Information

The Department will be holding an initial supplier engagement event on 09 February 2026 from 11:00am to 12:15pm. Deadline for registering for the event on 09 February 2026 is 06 February 2026 12:00pm (GMT) via Jaggaer. The event will be accessible via the ‘View Opportunities’ link on the Jaggaer e-Tendering portal Homepage. Select the Opportunity Notice for ‘Social Work National Professional Development Offer Engagement Event- itt_3856' and this will take you directly to the registration page. This event is open to all potential suppliers, regardless of previous engagement with the Department. The event will provide an overview of the Social Work National Professional Development Offer (SWNPDO) outline and upcoming market engagement activities scheduled shortly afterwards. Following the event, suppliers will be invited to complete a questionnaire to register for the 1-2-1 sessions which will be held between 13th and 19th February 2026. Additional 1-2-1 sessions may be held in March 2026 and will provide final opportunity to clarify any outstanding queries. Deadlines for registration for other events will be noted via the jaggaer messaging system or via the event on 06 February 2026. All correspondence will be shared via Jaggaer.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-061118
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007998-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80510000 - Specialist training services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Mar 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 1 Jan 2027 24 hours
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
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
swnpdo.mailbox@education.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
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
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-061118-2026-01-29T12:19:28Z",
    "date": "2026-01-29T12:19:28Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-061118",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
            "name": "Department for Education",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "SWNPDO.mailbox@education.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "name": "Department for Education"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "The Department will be holding an initial supplier engagement event on 09 February 2026 from 11:00am to 12:15pm. Deadline for registering for the event on 09 February 2026 is 06 February 2026 12:00pm (GMT) via Jaggaer. The event will be accessible via the 'View Opportunities' link on the Jaggaer e-Tendering portal Homepage. Select the Opportunity Notice for 'Social Work National Professional Development Offer Engagement Event- itt_3856' and this will take you directly to the registration page. This event is open to all potential suppliers, regardless of previous engagement with the Department. The event will provide an overview of the Social Work National Professional Development Offer (SWNPDO) outline and upcoming market engagement activities scheduled shortly afterwards. Following the event, suppliers will be invited to complete a questionnaire to register for the 1-2-1 sessions which will be held between 13th and 19th February 2026. Additional 1-2-1 sessions may be held in March 2026 and will provide final opportunity to clarify any outstanding queries. Deadlines for registration for other events will be noted via the jaggaer messaging system or via the event on 06 February 2026. All correspondence will be shared via Jaggaer.",
                "dueDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "007684-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007684-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-01-28T15:20:39Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "007998-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007998-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-01-29T12:19:28Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "project_10342",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Social Work National Professional Development Offer Market Engagement",
        "description": "The Department for Education (DfE) is exploring the development of a national progressional development offer for Child and Family Social Workers to strengthen post-qualification support and create clearer career pathways that recognise the specialised skills required for child protection work. DfE is seeking to engage with the market to help inform the design and potential delivery approach for a future Social Work National Professional Development Offer (SWNPDO) Indicative Programme scope: Programme components: The Early Career Development Programme (ECDP) An enhanced early career offer that would extend support for child and family social workers from one year to two years, underpinned by new professional Standards, which set out the knowledge and skills expected by the end of year two. Advanced Child Protection Programme (ACPP) A proposed 12 month programme for Lead Child Protection Practitioners (LCPP) and those aspiring to the role, focused on strengthening advanced child protection knowledge and skills to support effective delivery within multi agency child protection teams Leadership and Supervision Programme A proposed national programme to support Children's Social Care leaders below Director level, aimed at equipping leaders to drive change, strengthen multi agency collaboration, and support improved outcomes for children and families. DCS Leadership Programme Support and development for aspirant and new DCSs that strengthens leadership and enables effective delivery. Next Steps and Market Engagement DfE is considering its approach to the procurement and development of SWNPDO and is keen to engage with suppliers on programme design and delivery models. Supplier experience and capability (indicative) To support this engagement, the Department would be interested in feedback from suppliers with experience in: * Delivering large scale professional training or workforce development programmes * Change management and evaluating impact * Designing accessible, inclusive and compliant learning solutions These capability areas are indicative and do not constitute formal selection or evaluation criteria. Feedback from the market will be taken into consideration to help shape the departments proposed scope to ensure that the offer meets the sector's needs. Important notice This notice: * Does not signify the commencement of a competitive procurement * Does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education to procure services * Does not create any obligation on the Department The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations. Any funding estimates referenced are indicative only and subject to change. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final scope or funding envelope of any future contractual activity. We are currently reviewing the length of service and the budget for SWNPDO, and these details will be confirmed at a later date. The contract start date provided is indicative, and both the start and end dates will be confirmed in due course.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "80510000",
                        "description": "Specialist training services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKD",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKF",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKH",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKD",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKF",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKH",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 0.01,
            "amount": 0,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-01-01T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2027-01-01T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "status": "planning"
    },
    "language": "en"
}