Flexible Working Programme 2023-2025: Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and Schools (FWAMS) - Grant Competition (round 2)

The Department for Education (DfE) is inviting applications from Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools to become a grant-funded Flexible Working Ambassador MAT or School (FWAMS).

The Department has already appointed seven FWAMS: one each of the East of England, London, North West, South East, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber regions, as well as one dedicated to supporting special schools.

This application round is to appoint up to five further FWAMS.

Programme Details:

These FWAMS will support the delivery of the DfE's Flexible Working Programme 2023-2025. They will:

- recruit schools ('participant schools') and provide one-to-one coaching on implementing flexible working;

- provide ad-hoc support and advice to other schools;

- create practical resources;

- produce awareness-raising content such as blogs and case studies, and;

- work with the appointed delivery provider, who will be delivering the Department's culture change programme.

The five ambassador FWAMS are likely to consist of:

- three appointed on a regional basis, in line with the Regional Director regions of the North East, East Midlands and West Midlands (to work alongside those regional FWAMS appointed in June 2023);

- one dedicated to supporting AP/PRU settings. Applicants for this role must be an Alternative Provision/Pupil Referral Unit;

- one school to support schools and MATs in areas of high disadvantage. Applicants for this role must have higher-than-average percentages of pupils eligible for the deprivation pupil premium.

Grant competition timeline

All queries and clarifications must be submitted via the Jaggaer online message board.

Applications need to be submitted by no later than 12:00 noon on 21 July 2023.

Programme timeline

If an application is successful, the applicant school will be invited to sign a grant funding agreement lasting for five academic terms.

It is anticipated that the appointment of the Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools will take place in September 2023. Delivery will be ongoing until March 2025.

Funding

Each FWAMS will receive a grant of £10,000 in the first term of operation (Autumn 2023) and then £9,000 per term thereafter, to deliver the required activity. Payments are made in arrears at the end of each term.

Walkthrough event and additional information

We will be uploading a recording a recording to support applicants in navigating the commercial process. Those registered on Jaggaer will receive this once it is uploaded.

For those wanting to speak about the programme, please do get in touch via Jaggaer and we will be able to arrange a conversation.

Additional information: The programme is school-led and is open to state primary and secondary schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, state-maintained special schools and Alternative Provision/Pupil Referral Unit settings.

Application process:

1. Register for the departmental e-tendering system Jaggaer, which can be accessed via the Jaggaer online portal. Please note that responses can only be submitted in electronic form.

2. Complete the application form and submit your application in Jaggaer by no later than 12:00 noon on Friday 21 July 2023.

3. We will assess your application against the criteria set out in the application guidance.

4. Applications that i) do not meet the published eligibility criteria, or ii) have submitted their application outside of the Jaggaer system, will not be assessed.

Attachments:

The following documents will be available to view in Jaggaer:

- Guidance and Specification - Application Form (for reference - application to be completed and submitted in Jaggaer) - Performance Form

The funding is for £46,000 overall. Each FWAMS will receive a grant of £10,000 in the first term of operation and then £9,000 per term thereafter, to deliver the required activity.

Additional Information:

The Department reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not to proceed with grant award. Accordingly, the department will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any school or other organisation based on this Prior Information Notice.

This grant competition will be run via the departmental e-tendering portal, Jaggaer. It is recommended that to avoid missing out, applicants access this system to register as soon as possible using the link provided above.

All information included in this notice is indicative and may be subject to change. Please note that the department is not bound to enter into any grant agreement. Funding is subject to change at the departments absolute discretion.