---
title: "Evaluation of a trial extension of SEND Tribunal powers"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION"
published: "2017-10-10"
---

# Evaluation of a trial extension of SEND Tribunal powers

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196

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## Summary

The Department for Education is seeking expressions of interest for the tender titled "Evaluation of a trial extension of SEND Tribunal powers." This tender falls under the research and development consultancy services category and is located in London, England. The procurement is currently in the tender stage, with the deadline for submissions set for 13th October 2017. The estimated value of the contract is up to £200,000, and the contract period is expected to commence on 15th December 2017 and conclude on 31st August 2020. This is an open procurement process designed for entities below a certain threshold.

This project presents a significant opportunity for businesses, particularly those with expertise in educational consultancy, social care evaluation, and research methodologies. Companies experienced in both qualitative and quantitative research, as well as those familiar with the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) framework, would be particularly well-suited to compete for this contract. The evaluation aims to gather evidence on the effectiveness of a national trial, thus offering potential partners the chance to contribute meaningfully to policy development while expanding their visibility and capabilities within the public sector.

## Notice

Expressions of interest are sought for a multi-mode process and perception evaluation of a two year national trial, beginning early 2018, to extend the powers of the First-tier Tribunal Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) to make non-binding recommendations about health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans alongside educational aspects. In order for the Department to make a decision on roll-out at the end of the trial, the evaluation will: * assess whether the extended powers were implemented as intended and whether they are deliverable and sustainable; * test processes/user-satisfaction and assess whether any changes to the process or policy need to be made; * provide indicative evidence on impact on children and young people with SEND and on commissioners and services; * assess any wider implications for the health and care sectors and the broader SEND system; and * review whether there are lessons for improving the SEND system to prevent and resolve disagreements. We are proposing a process and perception evaluation that will gather evidence on the implementation and effectiveness of the trial. The design and content of the evaluation will be co-produced with DfE policy experts and an external steering group. Contractors are invited to propose the most suitable study design, however, it is suggested that this uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and includes the following: * A survey of appellants passing through the trial * Multi-method, multi-agency case studies * Cost case studies * A national LA and CCG survey * Statistical analysis of management information (MI) data collected by the Tribunal * Measuring case flow in traditional health and social care redress routes * Analysis of a sample of response to recommendations letters * An analysis drawing on all data sources to support a decision on making the trial permanent We expect applicants who are invited to submit a full tender to include advice on the most appropriate and cost-effective methodologies. Expressions of interest will be assessed against the following criteria: * Capacity to develop an appropriate methodology that offers value for money and to conduct the necessary fieldwork, analysis and reporting to the timelines indicated * Evidence of experience of the methodologies to be used for the process evaluation and a successful track record in project management skills and delivering to tight timescales * Evidence of experience in delivering a clear report with real practical applications * Understanding of SEND policy and practice, and the department's requirements Additional information: Estimated value is - 'Up to PS200k' Word limit 1000 words

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 10 Oct 2017 |
| Submission deadline | 13 Oct 2017 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 15 Dec 2017 - 31 Aug 2020 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 3BT |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

## Release History

- 10 Oct 2017 at 12:09 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5
- 10 Oct 2017 at 11:03 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5
- 29 Sep 2017 at 14:05 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5
- 29 Sep 2017 at 14:02 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5
- 29 Sep 2017 at 13:58 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5
- 29 Sep 2017 at 12:58 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/74d12dfb-5e50-40c0-abd6-a6b00a56f3e5
  10th October 2017 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/f4339642-28f3-463e-9dc0-d2c1c32d6f7e
  EOI Form
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/0be8e32f-7dc7-4d97-a780-b0a2aa200472
  EOI Advert
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/bc745e06-812f-4a60-bf24-90d8d5eb99a1
  EOI
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/8d838b5e-8878-431d-b821-224dc9d83513

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-25ad2c58-cf16-46bd-a966-9d683ad99196.json.
