DCS/Aspirant Leadership Programme 2023

Description of Services - The DCS/Aspirant Leadership Programme (currently branded as Upon) is in the last year of delivery and the contract expires in March 2024. We are now seeking to appoint a suitably experienced organisation to deliver the next iteration of the leadership programme from April 2024. The Department for Education has funded a national DCS/Aspirant leadership programme since 2020. The programme comprises two strands: - to provide leadership development training and support to DCSs in their first year within the role - to provide training for aspirant DCSs, to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed for the challenging DCS role, creating a pipeline of skilled, confident, and capable strategic leaders. The programme aims to equip DCSs in their first year in the role with the necessary skills and support needed to be exemplary leaders, whilst simultaneously creating a pipeline of effective future DCSs via the Aspirant strand. The programme will also seek to improve diversity amongst DCSs by recruiting Aspirants from a range of protected characteristics and socio-economic backgrounds, leading to greater DCS diversity as they progress through their careers. The programme will need to flex and adapt to the changing landscape of the sector and the needs of DCSs whilst simultaneously creating a pipeline of future leaders who will be ready to become the effective, strategic and resilient leaders the sector needs. DCS will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable strategic improvement that will contribute to the improvement in outcomes for children and families. Both programme strands will embed child and family centred thinking to help support the delivery of children's services within LAs. Content will also need to align with central government policy, including the recommendations from Stable Homes, Built on Love report. Contract Term - The initial contract period will run until December 2026 and will be structured into the following: - A set up period estimated to commence end of January 2024 (to last no longer than 12 months) - Programme Delivery: 1st April 2024 - 31 March 2026 - Aspirant Coaching Period: Up to 9 month coaching period from 31 March 2026 - 31 December 2026 Contract Value - Funding available is structured as follows: - £300k will be made available for the set up period, separate to the Programme Delivery Budget. - Funding of up to £1.1m (VAT exclusive) will be made available each year for the first 2 years of Programme Delivery, including any activity undertaken in the Aspirant Coaching Period. The Requirements that are the subject of this procurement are captured by PCR 2015 Chapter 3, Section 7 (Social and Other Specific Services); the so called "Light Touch Regime".