---
title: "Evaluation of a trial extension of SEND Tribunal powers"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-46e13fb5-6f07-4df1-bc9e-694b3e3734e2"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-46e13fb5-6f07-4df1-bc9e-694b3e3734e2"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-46e13fb5-6f07-4df1-bc9e-694b3e3734e2.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-46e13fb5-6f07-4df1-bc9e-694b3e3734e2.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION"
published: "2021-03-12"
---

# Evaluation of a trial extension of SEND Tribunal powers

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-46e13fb5-6f07-4df1-bc9e-694b3e3734e2

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## Summary

The Department for Education in London is conducting a public procurement process titled "Evaluation of a trial extension of SEND Tribunal powers." This tender falls under the research and development consultancy services category and was initiated to evaluate a trial that began in early 2018. The procurement has reached the award stage, with the contract awarded on 1st February 2018, and it is set to run from 8th February 2018 to 31st January 2021. An estimated value of up to £200,000 was indicated for this procurement, which follows an open procedure, offering opportunities for various contractors to submit their proposals.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in research methodologies, especially those with expertise in the special educational needs and disability (SEND) policy area. Companies that are well-suited to compete include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Interested bidders will need to demonstrate their capacity to deliver an evaluation that balances qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as their experience in project management and delivering actionable insights within tight deadlines.

## 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/9ce9a8c1-cf76-4fe9-8f3b-395b66a8d73f |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 12 Mar 2021 |
| Submission deadline | 12 Oct 2017 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 1 Feb 2018 |
| Contract period | 8 Feb 2018 - 31 Jan 2021 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £199,864 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | I.F.F RESEARCH |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

## Release History

- 12 Mar 2021 at 11:23 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9ce9a8c1-cf76-4fe9-8f3b-395b66a8d73f

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9ce9a8c1-cf76-4fe9-8f3b-395b66a8d73f
  12th March 2021 - Awarded contract 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/8d838b5e-8878-431d-b821-224dc9d83513

## Provenance

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