Supporting the Secretary of State in the accreditation and oversight of ADR providers in consumer markets in the UK

Concepts

• consumer and competition policy directorate
• administration, defence and social security
• department for business, energy & industrial strategy
• state's 'competent authority
• adr
• oversight of adr providers
• secretary of state
• consumer markets
• reporting of adr bodies
• adr schemes

Location

United Kingdom:

Description

The final date and time for the submission of bids is Thursday 31st March 2022 at 14:00 DO NOT apply directly to the buyer. All tender information MUST be submitted through the Delta eSourcing Portal. Brief Description of the Requirement: The Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate (CCP), part of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), is looking for a service provide to support the Secretary of State in the execution of the Secretary of State's 'Competent Authority' (CA) role for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the non-regulated sector. The provider will provide services of an administrative nature supporting the Secretary of State's performance of a number of statutory functions including the accreditation, oversight, performance management and reporting of ADR bodies in the non-regulated sector.

Total Quantity or Scope

. Background and Context Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to any means of settling disputes outside of the courtroom. Typically, this can include negotiation, conciliation, mediation and arbitration. When disputes arise between consumers and traders, there are a range of options available for resolution without going to court. These options can often be quicker and cheaper, and lead to a more satisfactory solution for both parties, than taking legal action. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Regulations established competent authorities (a person or organisation that has legally delegated or invested powers, authority, or capacity) to certify ADR schemes and set the standards that ADR scheme applicants must meet in order to achieve certification. It also introduced new information requirements on all traders who enter contracts with consumers for the supply of goods or services. The Regulations do not make participation in an ADR scheme mandatory for business but require the Government to ensure that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that has been approved as complying with the requirements in the Directive is available for all disputes between a consumer and a business. In the regulated sectors, the CA is the relevant sector regulator . In the non-regulated sectors, the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) Secretary of State is responsible for ensuring ADR providers who make an initial application for approval are compliant with the regulations. The Government recently published the 'Reforming Competition and Consumer Policy' consultation .Alongside considering broader changes to the scope of mandatory ADR, the consultation outlined proposals on improving the overall quality and oversight of ADR services is an important element of the proposed reform package. These improvements are centred around four key principles: neutrality, efficiency, accessibility and transparency. As part of the contract, the winning provider will work with BEIS, Competent Authorities and other relevant and qualified bodies to create a system of accreditation and oversight that applies these principles consistently across the whole of the non-regulated sector.

Renewal Options

The initial contract will be for 3 years with the option to extend on an annual basis (3+1+1)

CPV Codes

• 75000000 - Administration, defence and social security services

Indicators

• This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
• Renewals are available.

Other Information

How to Apply UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) will be using the Delta eSourcing Portal for this procurement. To register on the Delta eSourcing portal please use the link https://www.deltaesourcing. com/ and follow the instructions to register. If you are already registered on the Delta eSourcing Portal and wish to participate in this procurement, please use the link: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/ and the follow the instructions to 'Log in' Once you are logged into the system you will be able to link yourself into this procurement using the Access Code: 5V52ZA88QD ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** To respond to this opportunity please log in to www.delta-esourcing.com and enter the following access code 5V52ZA88QD