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Subcontracting Tender

Big Creative Training (BCT) was established in 1999 with the aim of engaging young people from disadvantaged communities using creative industry education as a tool.

The Big Creative Group now encompasses 600 full time study programme learners across our Training and Academy sites. We also offer apprenticeships, adult education and our independent school for alternative provision. We opened a Creative Industry Coworking Space in Dec 2018.

The organisation still has engagement at its heart and although we now offer programmes at all levels to learners of all ages from all backgrounds, it is embedded in our DNA to create new access opportunities for young people to an excellent creative industry education offer local to them.

Description of Requirement

BCT are seeking no more than 1 provider to deliver £275,000 of funding in year 1 and £400,000 in year 2 with an option to extend based on contract performance and satisfactory risk rating. The final total available is subject to final allocations by the ESFA.

The purpose of Study Programmes is to offer breadth and depth to 16-19-year olds without limiting their options for future Study or work.

All 16 to 19 study programmes should be designed to provide students with a structured and challenging learning programme that supports their development and progression in line with their career plans. Study programmes should be individually tailored but will typically combine the elements below:

  • Substantial qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level or for employment, although this is not a requirement for the T Level Transition Programme
  • English and maths where students have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4
  • Work experience to give students the opportunity to develop their career choices and to apply their skills in real working conditions
  • Other non-qualification activity to develop students’ character, broader skills, attitudes and confidence, and to support progression

The subcontractor shall deliver the services in accordance with the contract and as set out in the ESFA Funding Rules

The subcontractor must be ready to recruit eligible learners onto this service from the contract start date of 1st August 2024.

The subcontractor shall support eligible Learners as set out in the ESFA Funding Rules.

The only provision fundable under this agreement will be those qualifications/programmes eligible for funding under BCTs funding contract for 16-19 Study Programmes and compatible with the BCTs strategy.

Part of our strategy to increase engagement over recent years has been to work with subcontracting partners in different geographical areas to expand access for young people. We actively look for partners who operate excellent provision in the creative industries that meet the elements of our education rationale below.

When assessing whether to take on a potential subcontractor BCT will ensure the following criteria are used to assess the application:

  • The provision must enhance the opportunities available to young people in the geographic area proposed
  • The education offer will fill gaps in niche or expert provision, or provide better access to training facilities than currently exist in the area
  • Subcontracted provision will support better geographical access for learners and offer an entry point for disadvantaged groups
  • All provision will be in the creative industries or related areas
  • It is likely that the subcontractor will be small, finding it difficult to receive funding, with excellent capacity for growth and development
  • Potential partners will need to be able to benefit from the enhanced lead contractor services on offer from BCT as detailed in the SLA
  • In addition we will ensure consideration of the impact on individuals who share protected characteristics is included in any subcontracting arrangement

Successful providers will be appointed for a period of 1 year subject to the terms and conditions outlined withing their contract. The contract renewal process will be managed in accordance with the Subcontracting Specifications and Requirements.

Procurement – Invitation to Tender
Procurement – Subcontracting Specification and Requirements
Procurement – Strategy
Procurement – Tender Response Form
Procurement – Tender Evaluation Process

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