Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does East Tenders do?
We are working to ensure that local people and local businesses can access high quality, community based, employment and skills services. As East London's leading consortium of third sector training providers we are developing an innovative range of products and services that will enable your organisation to develop your business, compete for public sector contracts, improve your performance and deliver high quality services that respond to the needs of your community. To achieve this we will develop partnerships, co-ordinate bids and manage successful contracts.

Why did you form a consortium?
We have developed a consortium in response to the concerns raised by third sector training providers many of whom work at a local level. Many funding specifications increasingly ask for high numbers of outputs and often require organisations to work across a number of boroughs and for many organisations this can be challenging.

East Tenders will specialise in securing and managing large scale contracts. Formal partnership arrangements will ensure that you are funded to deliver services at a local level and East Tenders will co-ordinate and manage those contracts.

Do you offer capacity building services?
For general capacity building services you should approach your local CVS and we can provide their contact details. It is our intention that East Tenders will work in partnership with your local CVS who will deliver the many of the services you need. East Tenders will offer specialist information, advice and resources that can support your organisation to develop your training and employment services, for example, supporting you to accredit a new course, providing information on the new Qualification Credit Framework or providing support to prepare a self assessment report.

What sort of organisation is likely to become a Delivery Partner?
We want to work with experienced providers that have a good track record in delivering training and employment services and progressing their learners. We will assess your organisation, but some of the key indicators we are looking for include:
• a staff team that hold the required teaching and vocational qualifications;
• externally assessed quality assurance kite marks and organisations that are willing to
implement the Framework for Excellence;
• a good track record in providing a safe learning environment;
• audited accounts and robust financial controls;
• systems that enable learners and employers to provide feedback;
• services that respond to the needs of local learners and employers.

How can I become a member?
Becoming a member is straightforward and you just need to complete a short membership application form. If you want to become a Delivery Partner we will need to carry out an assessment of your organisation. For further information on membership please contact us or visit the members section of our website.

We have our own LSC contract, can we still join?
Yes, all our members are actively encouraged to develop their own provision and seek alternative funding opportunities.

My organisation is not ready to deliver training under a mainstream contract, can I still join?
Whilst our main area of work is partnership development and contract management we are committed to exploring innovative ways of supporting a diverse range of local training providers. One way we are supporting a diverse range of providers is by promoting your services on our website. We have a range of benefits available to all our members so please contact us for further information.

How will the partnership arrangements work?
East Tenders will review specifications and invite organisations from our approved delivery partner list to form partnerships. As the accountable body East Tenders will manage the contracts and ensure that the partnership meets the funder's performance, financial and quality requirements. Delivering services with East Tenders is not an easy option and we will expect a great deal from our providers, however, we are developing a range of systems and resources to make sure you and your staff team receive all the support you need.