§ Lord Smith of Leighasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criteria Employment Service Contracting Division used in awarding the recent contracts for Work Based Training for Adults; and how they intend to ensure effective delivery of those contracts. [HL1637]
§ Baroness BlackstoneThe competition to award contracts for the delivery of Work Based Learning for Adults was conducted by ES officials in line with public procurement principles and followed requirements set down by the European Commission.
ES officials sought outline delivery proposals from among organisations which had already passed through a pre-qualification process. They evaluated these against predetermined quality criteria drawn from guidance provided to all those invited to bid. The evaluation looked at how the bidder proposed to deliver and manage the provision and the outcomes they would achieve, supported by relevant evidence.
Responsibility for managing these contracts will rest with teams based in Employment Service Districts, who will be familiar with local requirements. Contract management activity is underpinned through a quality framework agreement between ES and the provider. There will be co-ordination with the activities of the Adult Learning Inspectorate and the Learning and Skills Council to ensure consistency of approach to providers.