Tender for Researcher / Practitioner - Young Carers Development (Disability)

1. Introduction

As part of the development of disability services in Belfast and on behalf of DfC Department for Communities Pathfinder project, Sólás are in partnership with Action Ability Belfast (AAB) and Kids Together Belfast (KTB).  The aim of the project is to identify issues relating to young carers of people with a disability. The post holder will undertake case studies with families to gather evidence on the experiences that young people (under 18years old) have in a caring role. To undertake this short but intensive piece of work we are looking to commission a practicioner/researcher to:

• identify issues experienced by young carers and their families;

• identify the level of support services available or not within Belfast;

• identify areas where need is not being met; and

• obtain information to provide evidence of the issues families encounter and any successes.

Sólás is the lead body administrating the Pathfinders project contract which is in receipt of funding through DfC.  AAB is a service provided under the umbrella of Upperspringfield Development Trust.

1. Context

The purpose of the research is to enable the DfC address the delivery plan under PfG Indicator 42. The new proposals in this delivery plan is fundamental to the research focus. This research proposal will identify areas of good practice and where there is no support for young carers and the reasons why. Most importantly it will identify how to provide better support for people with disabilities and their families/carers.

1. Tender Specification

AAB on behalf of the partnership are inviting tenders for the Pathfinders project to:

1. identify around 100 young people who are in a caring role.

2. To make contact with young carers and their families and get their views on the caring role of a young person, positive and negative.

3. Identify what needs young carers have and the level of satisfaction in relation to their needs being met.

4. Identify the gaps in services for young carers

5. Produce a final report with recommendations to inform future plans at both local and governmental level.

5. Timescale

It is anticipated that the project will begin as soon as possible and will conclude by 31st March 2017. The final report will be required by 31st March 2017 and representatives will require a final draft of the report in the previous week. 

6. Selection Criteria

Tenderers should demonstrate the following within their proposal which will be used as selection criteria:

6.1. Understanding/experience of:

6.1.1 current issues in relation to disability and young carers

6.1.2 a sound understanding of inequalities in health and social care and approaches used to address same

6.1.3 young carers role and support needs

6.1.4 historical and current health & social care structures, policies and strategies within N. Ireland.

6.1.5 community planning approaches and processes

6.2. Methodology and approach to the work, clearly demonstrating quality assurance of service delivery;

6.3. Innovation;

6.4. Total cost of the work (including VAT) with a breakdown of fees and expenses, the daily rate and total number of days allocated if applicable.

Tenders must be submitted in accordance with these instructions.  Failure to comply may result in a tender being rejected.  Tenderers must not make assumptions that the partnership has experience of their service provision.  Tenderers will only be evaluated on the information provided in their response.

The partnership will establish a selection panel which will assess submissions from selected potential individuals/organisations against set criteria.  The partnership reserves the right not to accept the lowest, or any quotation within received submissions

7. Budget

The total monies allocated for this tender will not exceed £12000

8. Submission

Tenders must be returned to USDT no later than 5pm on Thursday 5th Jan 2017.  Late tenders will not be considered.  Tenders can be sent by email or by post. 

Tenders to be sent to:  [email protected]

For further information please contact:

Elizabeth Gracey Programme Manager

Action Ability Belfast

Belfast

BT12 7FP

Tel: 02890 23 66 77