Race Relations Employment Advisory Service (Hansard, 28 March 1995)

§ Mr. Spearing
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence he has, following the decision to put out to tender the services provided by the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service, that those not currently employed by the service will have greater knowledge and skills and perform in a superior manner to those currently employed in that service. [15863]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
The market test of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service will explore how the service can best be delivered. In considering bids, the Department will consider most carefully which organisation is best placed to maintain the nature and quality of the service. The assessment of suppliers will cover their financial standing, experience in providing similar services and experience of staff and quality systems and methods. At this stage it is too early to speculate on the outcome of the market test.

§ Dr. Lynne Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the expected savings from the market testing of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service; over what period savings will be costed; and when he expects savings to be first identifiable. [16128]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
The Government's policy, which is set out in the White Paper, "Competing for Quality", is to provide high quality public service in the most cost610W effective way. The Race Relations Employment Advisory Service was assessed as meeting the criteria for market testing. At this stage it is too early to speculate on the outcome of the market test, including details of any savings that may be made. Tenders will be evaluated over a 10-year period.

§ Dr. Lynne Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assurances he can give on the maintenance of the quality and quantity of the service provided by the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16129]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
Ministers have given an undertaking that the nature and quality of the service will be maintained following market testing. The precise requirements for the service, including activity levels and quality criteria, will be determined during the process. Whatever the outcome of the market test, the Department will continue to monitor performance to ensure that employers receive sound advice on the development of racial equality policies.

§ Mr. Gunnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what was the cost of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service in 1993–94; and what is the expected cost for 1994–95 and 1995–96. [16420]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
In 1993–94, the cost of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service was £0.9 million. The cost for each of the years 1994–95 and 1995–96 is expected to be £1 million.

§ Mr. Gunnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he will commence the market testing of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16418]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
The process of market testing the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service began in November 1994. An invitation to potential suppliers to express an interest in providing the service was published on 23 February 1995.

§ Mr. Gunnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many companies, voluntary groups or employee groups have expressed an interest in the market testing of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16421]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
So far, expressions of interest have been received from 18 organisations.

§ Mr. Gunnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what criteria will have to be met by those who tender for the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16419]

§ Mr. Oppenheim
The Department's requirement is for a national service under a single contract—or a prime contractor, if a consortium—with a clear specification of the types of services and standards required. Potential suppliers will be shortlisted on the information requested by the Department in response to expressions of interest. In broad terms, this will cover financial standing, experience in providing similar services, experience of staff and quality systems and methods. Evaluation criteria for bids are being drawn up in parallel with the statement of service requirements. Further information will be provided to shortlisted suppliers at the invitation to tender stage.