DCS/Aspirant Leadership Programme 2024 con_24460

The DCS/Aspirant Leadership Programme will provide a support and training package to newly appointed DCSs and those aspiring to become one. The programme will comprise of 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 will aim 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.

Both programme strands will embed child and family centred thinking to help support the delivery of children's services within LAs, aligning with central government policy, including the recommendations from Stable Homes, Built on Love report.

The Initial Contract Period will run until 31 December 2026 (a total of 33 months), for which the value is £2,147,967.

Programme Delivery Periods (in which the programme content is delivered for either strand) will conclude by 31 March 2026 and the remainder of the Initial Contract Period will cover the Aspirant Coaching Period only.

The Buyer may extend the Contract to accommodate up to two further Programme Delivery Periods of the DCS and Aspirant Strand, in which case the contract end date will be December 2028, and the total contract value for the full contract term will not exceed £4,182,568.

Any extension will be subject to the satisfactory performance of the Supplier's obligations under the Contract during the Initial Contract Period, and the Supplier demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Buyer the economic benefit of the requirement to extend the contract.