Framework for Stakeholder Engagement, Advice and Facilitation Services (SEAFS) 2025-2029

Defra on behalf of the Environment Agency (EA) are looking to set up a follow on Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation Services (SEAFS) Framework starting 1 Oct 2025. Effective stakeholder engagement is critical for our organisations to deliver its goals. This Framework will secure between 3-5 suppliers who can provide SEAFS deliverables that: enhances our ability to work with others builds trust with the communities we serve and enhances our reputation facilitates learning and enables our staff to engage better by developing their own skills The current contract expires on 30 September 2025. The intention is to award the new contract before the end of July 2025, with a start date for services commencing on the 1 Oct 2025.. This framework agreement is being let by the Environment Agency's National Engagement and Insight Team. Although they will use the contract and review and audit work completed under it, they will not be the primary users.

The primary users of this contract will be Environment Agency staff involved in stakeholder engagement at a local and national level. These 'Project Clients' will be from different parts of the organisation and will use this contract to work with stakeholders on a range of issues. Our staff have varied levels of expertise and experience in stakeholder engagement. The successful suppliers will have demonstrated through this tender process that they are national Suppliers who are experts in engagement, facilitation, evaluation and skills development and who can: provide proactive support for a planned project / programme of work provide reactive support for issues of high concern or conflict build the organisation's engagement skills and capacity And through their work, can help us: collaborate and strengthen relationships so we can deliver against our priorities identify and mitigate potential risks through helping us to engage inclusively enhance our reputation by delivering participative and well-thought-out engagement The appointed Suppliers for this Stakeholder Engagement Advice and Facilitation Services (SEAFS) Framework will support our engagement work with external stakeholders over the next 2 to 4 years. These framework Suppliers will help Environment Agency staff plan, facilitate and evaluate effective stakeholder engagement processes to support the delivery of our corporate strategy, and lay the foundations for creating an 'engagement capable' workforce