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Understanding BSL Users Experiences of Access Services on TV and VoD platforms

OFCOM

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

22 Jul 2026 at 13:41

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involved a research project titled "Understanding BSL Users Experiences of Access Services on TV and VoD platforms," commissioned by Ofcom, a public authority sub-central government organisation based in London. This project, which falls under the "services" category, specifically focuses on market research services. The procurement was conducted using a limited method, below threshold with limited competition, and was awarded on 13 May 2026. The contract period runs from 13 May 2026 to 30 November 2026. The successful supplier, Open Inclusion Limited, is tasked with exploring the experiences and preferences of British Sign Language (BSL) users with access services on VoD and linear TV platforms. The project aims to gain valuable insights into user satisfaction and expectations for future service provisions.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in accessibility services, media research, and consultancy. Companies with expertise in conducting in-depth market research, particularly those focused on understanding and enhancing accessibility in digital and media platforms, would find this project highly relevant. Organisations positioned as SMEs, like Open Inclusion Limited, with a strong background in user experience and engagement with BSL and other accessibility services, are well-suited to leverage such contracts. The insights gained from this research could drive further innovation in the provision of access services, creating potential follow-on opportunities for collaborating businesses.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Understanding BSL Users Experiences of Access Services on TV and VoD platforms

Notice Description

The main objective for this research is to explore and understand BSL users' experiences and preferences for access services across VoD and linear TV. In more detail, this includes: * Explore the different types of services currently used, and understand preferences for particular services (i.e. linear TV/ BVoD/ SVoD) o How do these preferences vary and why? E.g. by genre or by viewing preferences * Explore and understand practical experiences of watching programmes with access services, including understanding access to sign-presented or sign-interpreted programming * Explore and understand satisfaction with provision of BSL and other relevant access services across linear TV and VoD, including preferences for sign-presented or sign-interpreted programming o Do audiences have different preferences for sign-presented or sign-interpreted programming? Do these vary by e.g. genre, types of programme, type of service? Are there circumstances in which the relevant audiences prefer subtitles? * Understanding audiences' expectations for future provision of access services o What would they like to see change? o What could providers do to improve access services? * Explore audiences understanding of the current regulatory landscape around access services on linear TV and VoD services, including understanding of funding arrangements * Explore the relationships between BSL programming and signing more broadly, seeking to understand the impact for audiences on the cultural landscape and BSL community as well as implications for current demand on professional BSL interpreters.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d103
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069239-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - limited competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79310000 - Market research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£83,899 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jul 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
12 May 20262 months ago
Contract Period
12 May 2026 - 30 Nov 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
OFCOM
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 9HA
Post Town
South East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI44 Lewisham and Southwark
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Southwark
Electoral Ward
Borough & Bankside
Westminster Constituency
Bermondsey and Old Southwark

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OPEN INCLUSION

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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