Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) services for use in family court proceedings.

Cafcass tender of contracts for delivery of a new behaviour change programme for separated parents

1. Background

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) currently commissions the Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP). The programme helps parents to better understand how to put their children first while they are separating - even though parents may be in dispute with each other. The programme helps parents to learn the fundamental principles and practice of how to manage conflict and communication difficulties. Where a parent decides to make an application to court, one of the options available to the court is to direct the parents to attend a SPIP. Cafcass is usually asked to advise the court if SPIP is suitable for the parents Parents will not attend the same programme as each other. The programme is usually delivered in one four-hour session to small, mixed groups of parents. SPIP is delivered online or face to face. Course content includes parent communication, the emotional effect of separation and being separated parents, and parenting plans.

2. Current commissioning arrangements

Cafcass currently commissions 13 providers to deliver the above model of SPIP to 25,000 parents per annum across its 18 service areas in England. Providers are awarded payment per participant completing the course. Contracts for delivery of this model are due to expire on 31 March 2023.

3. Tender for future information and support to separated parents

The programme is dated. Modern, interactive materials are current being designed and developed for recommissioned delivery partners to use in new contracts from 1st April 2023. This change has been informed through consultation activities and a re-specification of requirements to meet the needs of today’s parents. This tender supports the delivery of a modern service that achieves evidence-based outcomes for parents, social value, and value for money.

4. Intended tendering timetable

Timetable for commissioning of contracts for information and support to separated parents

Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) period 06 June 2022 – 30 June 2022

Expected tender submission period 18 July – 15 October 2022

Expected deadline for clarifications 30 September 2022

Expected tender deadline 15 October 2022

Expected evaluation of tenders w/c 24 October 2022

Expected interviews w/c 7 November 2022

Expected award decision w/c 21 November 2022

Expected award period December 2023

Expected contract commencement date 1 April 2023

Expected contract end date (unless previously terminated) 31 March 2026 (with an option to extend by 1 year to 31 March 2027)

Cafcass is committed to undertaking the tender process in a transparent and equitable way and it will be undertaken using restricted tender procedures, in line with Government expectations.

ProContract will be used to publish information and tendering opportunities relating to this procurement. Bids will only be accepted through this system. Interested parties should register for the Cafcass procurement on the ProContract portal https://procontract.due-north.com/Register where information regarding the Market Engagement Events can be found and interest registered. Upon registration of interest in market engagement activities parties will be sent further information including joining information. These events will be held virtually.