Employment-based fast-track social work education

See 'Attachments' for full description.

The Department for Education is seeking the provision of initial qualifying social work education through an employment-based, fast-track route. We are looking to secure a contractor to:

1. train 700 - 900 social workers through two cohorts, starting in 2020;

2. attract high performing graduates to the programme;

3. assess candidates so that trainees display the highest aptitude for child and family social work;

4. design and deliver training allowing for accelerated qualification as a social worker;

5. deliver training and employment placements through partnership with English providers of statutory children's social care services.

Additional information: The Department will be running a supplier engagement event on Wednesday 20 June from 14:00 - 16:00 in London; and on Thursday 21 June from 13:30 - 15:30 in Manchester. Please contact us at FastTrack.SOCIALWORK@education.gov.uk for futher information and to request a copy of the Selection Questionnaire (SQ). This document will form your initial tender.

An electronic copy of your SQ must be received by email no later than 12:00 on Tuesday 10 July 2018. Late tenders will not be considered.

Indicative value of the contract is estimated to be between £35-50m.

Start date: by 31 December 2018 (indicative). End date would be dependent on course timings agreed with the contractor.

The contract may include options to extend the contract for the delivery of one or two further cohorts.