Step Up To Social Work Cohort 10 Emerging Talent Recruitment

The Department for Education (DfE) is responsible for the Step Up to Social Work (SUSW) programme and requires a contractor to manage the application and assessment process for Cohort 10. SUSW is an established part of the social work sufficiency pipeline, training high-quality post-graduate students to become qualified, practising social workers. SUSW is an LA-led, accelerated, practice-focused route into social work. SUSW commenced in 2010, delivering the Programme every 2 years. There has been 8 completed cohorts to date, training 3,500 Social Workers. Cohort 9 (640 students) commenced in January 2026 and will complete March 2027. Indicative Programme Scope a) Design, manage and host a web portal and online platform allowing potential applicants to; - Register interest in the programme - Access information about the programme - Complete and submit applications. We expect c4000 applicants to apply, and have previously used the pocket recruiter platform b) Work with the DfE and Local Authority Regional Partnerships (RP) to develop web content for the platform (web content from the previous cohort can be used). c) Support Regional Partnerships in marketing the programme to prospective applicants with focus on attraction that will improve diversity outcomes especially increasing male representation. Operate a helpline (phone and email) for candidates applying for the programme during the application window (Feb – March 2027). d) Conduct eligibility checks on all applications (the majority of this is automated), including verifying vocational and non-UK qualifications equivalency and eligibility to live and work in the UK using Share-Code. e) Develop an applicant tracking system to manage candidates through the recruitment workflow managing up to 5,000 applications and which allows RPs to access applications post-eligibility sift to conduct the competency sift. Host a timed written exercise assessment on the platform. f) Host a booking process on the platform to allow applicants to book a slot for the assessment centre and manage this booking process. Support assessment centres in terms of providing a member of staff to support the RP in checking qualifications/directing people. g) Develop a candidate communications and engagement plan to keep candidates engaged and reduce drop out including notifying candidates of outcomes at each stage of the assessment process and manage the National Reserve List. h) Provision of ongoing management information and data analytics Supplier Experience and Capability a) Developing and hosting a web portal, online platform and applicant tracking system which can accommodate 5,000 applications b) Recruitment and assessment of applicants through an online portal c)Managing a telephone and email helpdesk. Value and Term of Contract •£440,000 including VAT per Cohort •Proposed Term as 1 (+1+1 optional Cohort extensions) The Term is desirbed as Cohorts not in Contractable Years. Next Steps and Market Engagement DfE is considering its approach to the procurement of SUSW and is keen to engage with suppliers on programme design and delivery models. Important notice This notice: • Does not signify the commencement of a competitive procurement • Does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education to procure services • Does not create any obligation on the Department •The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations. •Any funding estimates referenced are indicative only and subject to change. •The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final scope or funding envelope of any future contractual activity.