Tender

Perceptions of Practice Placements on Social Work Courses

SOCIAL WORK ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

10 Apr 2026 at 10:16

Summary of the contracting process

Social Work England is procuring a contract for a research study titled "Perceptions of Practice Placements on Social Work Courses" under an open procurement method. The contract, valued at £50,000, is in the tender stage and focuses on conducting independent research to assess practice-based learning in social work education across England. The tender is classified under research services, research and development consultancy services, and higher education services, with delivery regions spanning the entirety of the UK. Interested parties need to submit their applications by 6th May 2026, with enquiries closing on 29th April 2026. The contract is scheduled to start on 19th June 2026 and end by 19th December 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in research and consultancy services, particularly those with expertise in education and social work sectors. The contract is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs, with emphasis on a methodologically robust and inclusive approach to research. Companies with experience in stakeholder engagement and primary research, such as surveys and case studies, will find this opportunity well-aligned with their capabilities. The evaluation criteria for awarding the contract will hinge on a 70% quality and 30% price split, rewarding detailed understandings of the regulatory landscape and innovative research designs. This project offers a platform for businesses to showcase their methodological strengths and contribute to impactful regulatory advancements in social work education.

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Notice Title

Perceptions of Practice Placements on Social Work Courses

Notice Description

Social Work England is commissioning independent research to strengthen its understanding of practice-based learning across qualifying routes into social work in England. This work supports Social Work England's role as the regulator of social work education and training, and will inform future regulatory standards, guidance and quality assurance activity. The requirement is for the design and delivery of a mixed-methods research study exploring perceptions and experiences of practice-based learning, including statutory and non-statutory placements. The research will examine issues of placement quality, placement sufficiency and variation across regions, qualifying routes and workforce contexts. The supplier will be expected to engage with a range of stakeholders, which may include education providers, employers, practice educators, placement providers and newly qualified social workers. Research activity is likely to include a combination of desk-based review and primary research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups and/or case studies. Key outputs will include a midpoint findings presentation, a final written report suitable for publication, and a final presentation of findings. The supplier must ensure proportionate but robust research governance, inclusive methods, and compliance with ethical standards and UK GDPR. The contract is expected to commence on 19 June 2026 and conclude by 19 December 2026. The estimated value of the contract is PS50,000. Full technical requirements are set out in the specification.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067fc7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032722-2026
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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

80300000 - Higher education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£41,666 Under £100K
Lots Value
£41,666 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Apr 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
6 May 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
18 Jun 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOCIAL WORK ENGLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SHEFFIELD
Postcode
S3 8JY
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE3 South Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE32 Sheffield
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Sheffield
Electoral Ward
City
Westminster Constituency
Sheffield Central

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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