Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS)

Mediation service to support children, young people and their parent/carers with mediation and dispute resolution in relation to special education needs (SEN) issues, including where Education, Health and Care Plans assessed by the Council and its key partners are contested by the young person and their parent/carer.

Cheshire East Council is conducting a soft market testing survey to gauge interest from providers in delivering our Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS), a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014.

Cheshire East Council has successfully commissioned a Mediation and Dispute Resolution Service (MDRS) since 2015. We are now exploring options for potential recommissioning and invite feedback from the market through this soft market testing survey. While no final decision has been made regarding the timing or progression of the procurement, your input will be valuable in shaping our approach.

Please note that participation in this survey does not imply any commitment from either party, and the procurement may be delayed or terminated depending on future developments. However, gathering insights now will provide a strong foundation should we proceed at a later stage.

This questionnaire aims to gather the thoughts and experiences of providers who may be interested in our proposed recommissioning.

The deadline for questionnaire responses is: Friday 22nd August 2025. Please upload your response to the Chest by the specified deadline.

Chest Ref: DN785358

You can access and provide your feedback using the link below

https://procontract.due-north.com/RFx/RFxSummary?rfxId=b3532762-3e71-f011-813a-005056b64545&projectId=fa125d7c-3d71-f011-813a-005056b64545