PA23 - UK4 - Tender Notice

Scope of Services 1. Background Southern Water (SW) is re tendering its existing Apprenticeships Framework under Procurement Act 2023 rules and separately running a procurement for Lots 6a and 6b – these lots will be part of the Apprenticeships Framework prj_7318. The new scope reflects: • Removal of apprenticeship standards that no longer align with business needs • Continued delivery of high uptake programmes supporting operational and strategic workforce planning across SW and requirements for AMP8. 2. Purpose and Objectives The aim of this procurement is to appoint suitably qualified Framework Partners capable of delivering Skills England approved Apprenticeship Standards across multiple SW operational areas. Objectives: • Establish a compliant, high-quality framework for levy-funded apprenticeship delivery • Provide SW with access to current, industry-relevant apprenticeship standards • Support technical capability growth across Engineering, Operations and related fields • Ensure training aligns with Skills England occupational maps and updated national skills priorities • Ensure that provider hubs are strategically located to reduce the amount of travel for Apprentices • Ensure that provider hubs have the correct infrastructure and equipment required for the provision of the standards listed in the scope of this tender • Ensure that providers have standard programmes ready to start in September 2026 3. Scope of Services SW intends to establish a multi-supplier, multi-lot framework for the delivery of apprenticeship standards from Level 2 to Level 7 (wider framework). SW reserves the right to add or retire standards during the Framework Term to match updates published by Skills England, which now manages apprenticeship standards, revisions and occupational maps for England. 3.1 Lot Structure Lot 6a Engineering & Manufacturing - Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Lot 6b Engineering & Manufacturing - Water Industry Asset Maintenance Technician (Level 3) - Water industry network technician Level 3, - Water industry treatment process technician level 3 - Water network operative Level 2, - Water process operative Level 2, - Water treatment technician level 3 3.2 Geographic Coverage & Delivery Model Providers must demonstrate capability to deliver: • Apprenticeships program ready to start in September 2026 • Across multiple regions UK wide and within the SW operational footprint • With maximum apprentice travel time of 1 hour to training facilities • With at least one delivery point available across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Isle of Wight • Face to face learning where required by the apprenticeship standard • Hybrid/remote delivery where appropriate and compliant with ESFA funding rules 3.3 Training Facilities & Infrastructure Providers must maintain access to: • Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control training equipment • Engineering workshops, machinery and bays • Capacity to deliver all mandatory practical components of the standards • Business continuity arrangements to ensure uninterrupted delivery Providers may be required to deliver training at SW premises for joint water sector cohorts where required. 4. Framework Duration & Operation • Initial Term: 3 years • Optional extensions: Up to 6 years total (2 + 1 increments) • Call off mechanisms: o Mini Competition o Direct Award (where compliant with criteria) • Provider onboarding, continuous compliance checks and performance management form part of framework governance 5. Funding & Compliance Requirements Providers must comply with: • ESFA Apprenticeship Funding Rules (2026 and successors) • Growth & Skills Levy rules • Skills England–approved apprenticeship standards and assessment plans • Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) • Prevent Duty, Safeguarding, KCSIE • EPAO requirements and funding band caps Mandatory obligations: • Clear cost breakdown aligned to Skills England funding band limits • Full compliance with off the job training requirements • Transparent EPA cost structure within ESFA maximum thresholds • Adherence to subcontracting rules where used 6. Quality Assurance & Performance Monitoring Minimum requirements: • Ofsted Rating: “Good” or above (RI considered case by case) o Two consecutive RI outcomes = non compliance • Safeguarding must be rated “Met” • Demonstrable QA aligned to Ofsted EIF • Quarterly performance reviews covering: o Progress, attendance, risk indicators o OTJT tracking o Achievement rates (classified by Distinction/Merit/Pass) o Employer and learner satisfaction o Withdrawals and retention patterns • Annual quality audit reviewing delivery, safeguarding, data, staff qualifications and curriculum relevance 7. Data & Reporting Requirements Providers must submit quarterly data on: • Learner starts, progress, completions, withdrawals • Off The Job Training delivery against plan • Attendance and punctuality • EPA readiness Additional requirements: • GDPR compliant data management • Secure data exchange methods • Compatibility with SW digital/HR systems where required • Compliance with ESFA Individualised Learner Record (ILR) standards 8. Employer Responsibilities (Southern Water) Southern Water will: • Assign workplace mentors and supervisors • Provide equipment and on site learning opportunities • Allow and support OTJT within working hours • Participate in tripartite progress reviews • Ensure a safe working environment 9. Training Provider Responsibilities Providers must: • Deliver structured learning in line with Skills England approved standards • Provide face to face, hybrid and remote delivery where appropriate • Be fully ready for learner onboarding September 2026 • Maintain up to date progress tracking • Conduct regular tripartite reviews • Prepare learners for EPA with mock assessments • Liaise with EPAOs and manage gateway/EPA processes • Maintain qualified delivery staff and relevant industrial expertise 10. Assessment Requirements Every standard must include: • Portfolio of evidence and practical logbooks • Mandatory qualifications (as required by Skills England) • Gateway review checklist • EPA delivered by a registered EPAO, including (where applicable): o Knowledge exams o Practical observation o Professional discussion o Project submission 11. Procurement Process (PA23-Compliant) This Framework is procured under the Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, Utilities – Light Touch Regime. Rules: • Submission of a tender constitutes acceptance of the Framework