the National Fast Track Child and Family Social Work Training Programme

Following a procurement under the light touch procedure, using a form of Competitive Procedure with Negotiation ,and conducted in accordance with the process described within the Tender documents linked to the Contract Notice (2022/S 000-014783) which was launched on 22 August 2022, the Authority has procured a Contractor to design and deliver a high quality, specialised, fast track child and family social work education programme with the objective of enhancing the knowledge and skills most needed in front line child protection social work, and providing a pipeline of high-quality social workers across English Local Authorities ("LA").

The successful Contractor will be responsible for the recruitment, training and support of Participants to enable them to become effective and specialised child and family social workers. This is in furtherance of the Government's aim to ensure that there is a highly capable social worker for every child and family in England who needs one.

The Programme will commence on or around 1 September 2023 and last for an initial period of up to 3 cohorts, lasting a maximum of 4 years each, with the first cohort of Participants qualifying by September 2025 and each cohort running concurrently. The option to extend by up to 2 additional cohorts will be solely at the Authority's discretion and will be subject to satisfactory Contractor performance, Ministerial approval, and the availability of funding.