Office of the Independent Adjudicator

Expressions of Interest

OIA’s Adjudication, Resolution and Mediation Consultancy Framework

1) The OIA is seeking to appoint suitable companies, consortia or organisations to be part of an adjudication, resolution and mediation consultancy ‘framework’.

2) These organisations may from time to time provide a service to the OIA by carrying out casework or resolution activities in accordance with the procedures of, and under the direction of, the OIA.

3) The framework will provide support to the OIA in dealing with a rapidly increasing caseload especially in the context of changes to Higher Education funding and a period of transition within the sector.

4) In particular it is envisaged that organisations appointed to the framework will:

a. Conduct casework, progressing cases where appropriate from the eligibility stage to the stage at which a formal decision is made by a senior member of OIA staff. This may include facilitating settlement.
b. Be part of a panel of mediators to whom OIA case-handlers may refer cases.

5) This notice calls for submissions from companies, consortia or organisations interested in being appointed to the framework.

6) Those appointed to the framework need to be able to demonstrate:

a. A proven track record in delivering adjudication work to a high standard and to a strict timescale.
b. Capacity to deal with significant volume of cases at agreed times of year.
c. Internal management and quality control structures to work alongside and in conjunction with OIA processes and/or
d. A proven track record in providing independent mediation services.

7) Each submission should include:

a. Indication and details of available workforce and management capacity.
b. Examples of recent relevant appointments/projects.
c. Indication of costs and pricing structure.
d. Information relating to the management of risk - including policies relating to confidentiality, liability, data protection, insurance, conflicts of interest.
e. Where appropriate: information relating to experience and qualifications of mediators.

For further information or discussion about this project please contact Ben Elger on 0118 959 9813. Submissions may be made by post or email to ben.elger@oiahe.org.uk or Ben Elger, Chief Operating Officer, OIA, Third Floor Kings Reach, 38-50 Kings Road, Reading RG1 3AA.

Closing date: Friday, 16 March 2012