Teacher Recruitment Support Service (TRSS)

This contract is for the Teacher Recruitment Support Service (TRSS), an advisory service that supports both candidates to apply to initial teacher training (ITT) and teachers to return to the profession.

The Provider will offer a personalised service based on the specific needs of each enquirer, to be delivered through inbound calls, webchats, outbound calls, one-to-one advisory services, and via an email and SMS CRM programme Each enquirer will be encouraged to convert their initial interest in teaching to an application for teacher training or returning to teaching.

The service will provide information on routes into initial teacher training and returning to teaching, and recommend activities that may increase the chance of a successful application.

The service requirements may change over time in response to Government policy.

We are seeking one national provider (or consortium) to support and motivate people to enter teaching careers, either through ITT or through returning to the profession, by providing: • A first point of contact and advice for anyone interested in a teaching career, via telephone and webchat. • One-to-one support from dedicated advisors for eligible candidates who want to train to teach shortage subjects. • A targeted advisory service for qualified teachers looking to return to the profession in designated subjects. • A database of those who have registered their interest in training or returning to teaching.

NCTL will issue targeted emails and request outbound calls to registered candidates as part of its marketing campaign, delivered through the service provider. • Support for the School Experience Programme (SEP) through an online portal that gives potential trainee teachers easy access to schools offering classroom experience. • Social media support for NCTL recruitment and marketing activity, responding to online enquiries and encouraging candidates to register with the service. • Support to school leaders for applications to become designated as a Teaching School or System Leader The indicative value range for the primary contract term (3 years) is £9 million to £12 million inclusive of all expenses but exclusive of VAT.

It is anticipated that the contract would be awarded in June 2016, with delivery of the contract commencing from 1 September 2016.

The primary term would run from September 2016 to August 2019.

Subject to satisfactory contractor performance; ministerial agreement; and availability of funding, there will be an option to extend the contract for up to two academic years.

Any extension would run from September 2019 to August 2020 for one year, and from September 2020 to August 2021 for a further year.