Supported Return to Training Programme Evaluation - Health Education England - NHS/SoEPS/18.433 Prior Information Notice (PIN)

The 18th May ACAS agreement for the Junior Doctors Contract committed Health Education England (HEE) to lead a process for developing evidence-based, innovative approaches to training for junior doctors.

'... to remove as far as possible the disadvantage of those who take time out due to, for example, caring responsibilities. This approach would include targeted accelerated learning with the prime intention to enable the person who has taken time out to catch up.'

HEE published its Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) investment and strategy plan in November 2017. A copy of the report can be found here:

https://hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Supported%20Return%20to%20Training.pdf

The SuppoRTT strategy, investment plan and underpinning processes is aimed at ensuring that HEE can deliver the best possible support and outcomes for doctors in training when they pause or exit, and re-enter training. The intention is that these doctors experience no disadvantage to their training progression or wellbeing, and that they are both competent and confident to provide safe, quality and appropriate care within their scope of practice as a result of HEE's SuppoRTT intervention.

In the report, ten commitments were made in relation to aspects of the work. Commitment Eight stated that HEE was to 'formally evaluate the SuppoRTT programme, and implement further recommended changes on the basis of continuing evaluation.'

HEE would like to procure an evaluation of the SuppoRTT programme, spanning over three years. Payment will be related to financial years. The evaluation will have both qualitative and quantitative elements, and will assess both the impact of SuppoRTT as an intervention, and perception regarding the delivery and efficacy of the reforms, using a range of objective and subjective measures. The evaluation will also produce advice regarding potential improvements to both the design and delivery of the SuppoRTT strategy and future investment plan.

The commissioner reserves the right not to proceed with the Procurement, or any part thereof, or change the requirements and timescales as necessary at any time.

It is the intention of the commissioner that the procurement will be conducted as on OJEU Service Contract using an Open Procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The ITT is expected to be published in July 2018 with delivery an interim evaluation by March 2018. An interim evaluation is expected to be produced each year, with the final evaluation covering the full three years.

A separate advert will be released advising when the procurement is live for submissions.