Award

Continuous Improvement Capability

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

02 Apr 2026 at 11:49

Tender

17 Feb 2026 at 16:37

Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council has awarded a significant contract under the Open Procedure for the "Continuous Improvement Capability", aimed at delivering comprehensive training and mentoring in Continuous Improvement and Change Capability across the organisation. This procurement falls under the light-touch regime in the services category and encompasses vocational training services, with a total contract value of £480,000 (gross amount £576,000). The contract was awarded to Catalyst Consulting Limited, a small to medium-sized enterprise based in London. The contract is set to commence on 1 May 2026 and will run for 36 months without any extension options. The training will be delivered at various Council sites in Essex and through virtual platforms, primarily Microsoft Teams, reflecting the hybrid working model of ECC staff. Key milestones include the future signature of the contract scheduled for 17 April 2026, providing a structured timetable for ongoing delivery.

The project's emphasis on continuous improvement and change training represents a lucrative opportunity for businesses specialising in educational and mentoring services, especially those adept in adaptive learning and upskilling solutions. It's an ideal contract for SMEs with experience in vocational training and agile methodologies. As Essex County Council navigates potential impacts of Local Government Reorganisation, suppliers must demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to adapt to possible modifications in service demand. The contract's planning accommodates technology advancements, suggesting demand for innovative educational materials, and indicating potential market growth for businesses in the sector by expanding their digital service offerings compliant with current accessibility standards. Successful bidders can capitalise on the council's evolving needs and have the chance to showcase robust solutions tailored to public sector transformation efforts.

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Notice Title

Continuous Improvement Capability

Notice Description

Essex County Council has conducted an Open Procedure under Light Touch Regime for the procurement of the below requirements. The scope of this requirement is to deliver Continuous Improvement and Change training and mentoring across Essex County Council. Whilst both are in scope, Change Capability has been added as an additional service. There could be potential for the range of services to change, the scope of work, to expand or reduce; furthermore, the range of materials could increase, decrease or for new products to be included or substituted as technology develops. Where there is a requirement for additional services then Bidders were asked to ensure themselves that they meet these requirements, before submitting their response. There is no guarantee that these services will be required. The size of cohorts and number of sessions per annum will be agreed by all parties prior to commencement of the services. The number of sessions per annum may vary dependant on demand. The main location of the population is County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex. However, ECC staff work on a hybrid basis (incorporating working from other locations, alongside working from the office as required). Contract length of 36 months with no extension options.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06567c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030854-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80530000 - Vocational training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
13 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Post Town
Chelmsford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
TLH3 Essex

Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CATALYST CONSULTING

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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