Tender: National Professional Development Framework for Child and Family Social Workers – Department for Education

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The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking suppliers to join a closed framework to design, develop and deliver a national learning and development offer for Child and Family Social Workers in England. Call-off contracts will be awarded annually during the framework term, and suppliers will be responsible for end-to-end delivery including programme design, development of learning content, training delivery, digital hosting, user experience and supporting resources. The framework runs for 5 years and 11 months with a departmental break option effective 31 August 2029. The agreement is split into two Lots: Lot 1 covers the Early Career Development Programme (ECDP), the Family Help Team Manager Programme (FHTMP) and the Lead Child Protection Practitioner Programme (LCPPP) focused on practice and management roles; Lot 2 covers the Leadership Programme (LP) and the Director of Children’s Services Leadership Programme (DCSLP) aimed at strengthening senior leadership. Estimated participant volumes are approximately 2,800 per year for ECDP, up to 500 per year for LCPPP, approximately 500 per year across four cohorts for FHTMP, up to 130 per year (65 in post + 65 aspirant) for LP, and all new and interim DCS plus a minimum of 20 aspirants annually for DCSLP, with numbers subject to demand and confirmation at Call Off. A maximum of three suppliers will be appointed to Lot 1 and up to two suppliers to Lot 2; suppliers may bid for multiple lots. The Department may vary volumes, increase maximum values or introduce additional Lots during the term, where needed.