Deliver a continuous professional development (CPD) programme on permanence to child and family social workers in around 10 - 15 early adopter local authorities.

*** New on 25th May 2017 - The procurement has been delayed. Further information will be provided in due course.*** The Department made a commitment in Adoption: A Vision for change (March 2016) to develop a continuous professional development (CPD) programme for child and family social workers on permanence planning for looked after children. A contractor is currently developing the programme, which is due to be completed by 31st August 2017. The development contract involves designing the content of the programme, developing the materials, defining the delivery mechanisms and defining the kite-marking mechanisms. We want to procure a supplier to deliver the CPD programme to c.600 social workers in around 10 - 15 early adopter local authorities. It is currently planned that the contract will commence on 1st August. The first month will involve working with the contractor who has developed the programme to hand over the materials. We would then expect delivery of the programme to begin in September. We expect the programme to last for between 6 and 12 months. During the early adopters phase an independent evaluator will evaluate the effectiveness of the CPD programme and suggest improvements to the development contractor. The development contractor will refine the programme as required before it is rolled out more widely.

Additional information: See 'Attachments' for a word version of the description and further information. We intend to hold a supplier event on 7th April at the Department for Education, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. This event will provide an opportunity for interested suppliers to find out more about this opportunity and the proposed procurement process. To register your interest in attending this event, please email permanence.cpd@education.gov.uk and louise.reilly@education.gov.uk