Purpose

There is a clear business need to procure a provider to deliver Motivational Interviewing training for Children's Social Care and in accordance with the procurement regulations, a three-quote process was completed that identified a new provider who will commence delivery from 1 April 2026. 

Two providers submitted quotes.  Both providers were assessed against the same requirements and service specification, with scores awarded in line with the published evaluation criteria.

Provider 1 demonstrated strong Motivational Interviewing (MI) expertise and a positive delivery track record. However, several aspects of their submission lacked the level of operational detail required and did not fully evidence compliance across key areas such as communication processes, risk management, structured reporting, and data governance. As a result, Provider 1 did not achieve the highest score overall.

Provider 2 (awarded provider) scored higher against the service specification. Their submission provided more comprehensive and fully evidenced responses across all criterion areas, including communication and issue management, continuity and contingency planning, data handling, reporting, and impact measurement. They demonstrated clear organisational structures, named responsibilities, stronger governance arrangements, and explicit alignment with the Council’s operational requirements. This provided a higher level of assurance that they could deliver the service consistently, reliably and in full compliance with the specification.

In addition to achieving the highest quality score, Provider 2 also submitted the lowest priced bid. As price carried a 40% weighting, this further increased their overall score and positioned them as the most economically advantageous tender.

For these reasons, Provider 2 was selected for contract award. A decision to start a three-quote procurement tender for Motivational Interviewing training.

Decision

Rachel Rump, Head of Service (Talent and Performance) took a decision to approve the commencement of the three-quote procurement exercise for the delivery of Motivational Interviewing Training, and to subsequently award this contract to Talking Lives.