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Our client

Talent Lab’s client is an SME providing vital educational services. This includes online and private tutoring, specialist creative learning support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, as well as tuition for those with a general dislike for traditional learning.

The challenge

With the increasing demand for SEND support, our client wanted the opportunity to work directly with local schools without having to go through a third party. A new Council Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Alternative Education Provision offered the perfect route to procure their services directly. However, the process and compliance requirements were confusing and discouraging for a small business with limited knowledge of tendering.

How we helped

The DPS tender pack contained 17 documents with an online questionnaire.  We started by creating an environment of understanding, dealing with each component of the response as an individual building block. This removed confusion and created a sense of achievement as the response developed.

Our role involved:

• Carrying out a compliance assessment of the Pass/Fail criteria to identify areas of improvement.
• Planning the deliverables to meet the DPS timelines, with clear actions and responsibilities.
• Drafting clarification questions to the council to remove any ambiguity.
• Content planning to ensure we could answer each question to meet compliance supported by proof / benefits / added value.
• Writing quality responses including company systems and processes, supply chain management, case studies, and tutor experience.
• Developing new and reviewing/enhancing existing policies with particular rigour on health and safety and safeguarding.

Outcome

• Submitted a well-prepared DPS application, showcasing suitability as a provider of quality services to the public sector.
• Secured place on the DPS, successfully addressing all compliance requirements.
• Transferred knowledge and created new standardised documentation, setting the foundation to tender for future council contracts.

We are incredibly grateful for the invaluable assistance provided by Talent Lab in navigating the complex process of securing a place on the council DPS. As a small business, working directly with local schools without having to through a third party was a critical part of our growth, and their expertise and unwavering support was instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. We wholeheartedly recommend Talent Lab to any small business seeking to navigate the complexities of government procurement processes.

Founder/Director, Learning Provider