Becoming a learndirect centre
During 2005-06, Ufi completed a full tendering exercise for new and existing providers wishing to offer learndirect for the two year period 2006-08, with the option to extend for a further two years.
In 2006 and 2007 Ufi has conducted interim tender exercise for additional providers.
Following these tender exercises, Ufi does not anticipate any further requirement for new providers during 2008. Ufi may conduct a further interim tender in late 2008 or early 2009 for the 2009-2010 contract year, but this is not yet determined, nor are any potential dates known. In the event that new provision is required details of this will be made publicly available via this website www.ufi.com
Any parties interested in joining the learndirect network in the future are advised to visit this website on a regular basis for further information bearing in mind that provision for the next contract year has already been secured. Please note that no contact details of interested parties are held by Ufi in the event of a future tender exercise as provision will always be sought through open competition.
Selection Criteria
Learning Providers are selected on the following summary criteria. The details will be published according to the requirements at the time of a tender.
Competence to contract; is the provider a legal entity, capable of entering into a contract, and fulfilling the legislation required to provide learning, for example, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Safeguarding and other legislation?
Fit with Ufi’s strategic objectives; does the provider offer learning to Ufi’s target groups, in areas where priority learners can be identified, and where Ufi has funding from the LSC to provide such learning?
Delivery Capability; does the provider have the centre facilities, equipment and connectivity, and possibly outreach locations, to deliver to the target learners?
Financial Capability; is the provider financially viable, and capable of delivering a contract in excess of £100,000, the normal minimum unless there is a specific client groups that Ufi seeks to serve in that locality which cannot otherwise be served?
Quality; does the provider meet the requirements of Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework, including having Matrix accreditation?
Staffing; are the learner support staff qualified to the current FE requirements for Skills for Life subjects, (levels 4 and 5) and as learning support workers for other subjects?