Concession arrangement for training of licenced driver applicants

IMPORTANT UPDATE -

The appointed Concessionaire may be asked to make this service available to both Braintree District Council & Chelmsford City Council who have expressed interest in collaborating with Uttlesford District Council. At this stage, there is no firm commitment which will be subject to their own due diligence and internal approval processes. The advertised contract value does not include these options.

To accommodate this request, the procurement process is to be extended by two weeks. Expressions of interest must be received by 23rd September. Tenders will be due back no later than 16:00hrs on Monday 26 October 2020.

ORIGINAL TEXT

Following a review of licencing by Uttlesford District Council, it is proposed to introduce a mandatory requirement for all new and current drivers to pass an examination following their attendance at an approved training course

All drivers currently holding licences for Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages will be required to attend an Initial face-to-face approved training course and complete an examination to demonstrate to the licencing committee that they are considered competent and safe drivers and may retain their licence.

All new applicants for licences for Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages will also be required to attend the same Initial face to face course and complete the examination to demonstrate to the licencing committee that they are considered to be competent and safe drivers before a licence is granted.

Drivers are required to renew their licence every three years. Before granting the renewal of any licence, Drivers will be required to undergo Refresher training and provide evidence to demonstrate they have passed an examination. Refresher training and the associated examination may take the form (or an option) of on-line continual professional development.

The Council is seeking to appoint one Concessionaire to provide this initial and ongoing training and examinations for a period of 6 years commencing February 2021, at no cost to the Council and at the Concessionaires own commercial risk

It is expected that the training shall include, but may not be limited to customer service, driver safety, relevant legislation, disability awareness, child sexual abuse and exploitation, safeguarding and other key information that the Council and/or the Training Provider considers to be required .

Uttlesford Council have approximately 2,800 drivers currently holding an applicable licence. It is expected that all existing licence holders shall attend the initial face to face course within the first 18 months of the contract

New applicants number approximately 700 per annum

The average renewal rate is currently 60%

TO APPLY, SIMPLY E-MAIL PROCUREMENT@UTTLESFORD.GOV.UK EXPRESSING YOUR INTEREST.

The closing date for applications is 9th September 2020 The deadline for receipt of tenders is 12th October 2020

Note - these dates have now been extended (see below)

Additional information: For the complete Invitation to Tender / Tender Documents simply e-mail procurement@uttlesford.gov.uk before 17:00hrs on 23rd September 2020.

Completed Tender Submissions must be returned no later than 16:00 hrs on MONDAY 26th OCTOBER 2020.

Those who have already expressed their interest do not need to do so again