CO0299 Multiply - Lot 1 - November 2023

The purpose of this competition under Lot 1 "Businesses and supporting people into work" is to invite bids to create and deliver a training provision that will enable people in employment and job seekers to improve their numeracy skills for work.

Bidders are expected to work together with businesses to identify specific numeracy skills required in the workplace. More specifically, bidders are expected to:

Eligible target learners are adults 19+ who have not previously attained a GCSE Grade 4/C or higher maths qualification. They can either be working towards a maths GCSE or Functional Skills Qualification or need specific numeracy skills for their work or progression.

Expected duration of training courses is between 6 to 10 guided learning hours.

Substantive learning (formal or informal) is defined as learning being delivered in two or more hours. All substantive learning will be recorded in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) monthly. Suppliers will need to submit the ILR directly to the Department for Education via IDAMS. Where a supplier is unable to use IDAMS, it should submit via the ILR input tool. Suppliers will need to provide ECC with a copy of the ILR using an ECC template.

Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that Multiply training / learning will not be subject to Ofsted inspections in Year 2 (2023-2024).

Outreach activities (a.k.a. non-substantive learning) should not be recorded in the ILR. Instead, the full name, postcode and date of birth should be recorded on a separate return to ECC monthly, which will then be shared by ECC with the Department for Education. It is entirely appropriate for suppliers to collect more information from adults involved in outreach activities to enable them to follow up and market Multiply to those engaged.

Proposed provision under this mini competition must be unique and not a continuation of previously funded programmes that have been awarded under this Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). If a proposal is found to be an extension of previous funding, ECC reserves the right to reject the proposal.