Cash First Learning and Evaluation

This specification sets out what is required, provides background information on the Programme and further outlines the rationale for the procurement. The specification makes suggestions on method, but bidders are encouraged to propose alternative methods for carrying out this work within the available budget and timescale. The Scottish Government is also seeking to appoint an organisation to undertake an independent evaluation of the Programme. The evaluation services required are set out in the ‘Schedule 1B - Lot 2 - Specification’ document. Tenderers should submit bids for lot 1 or lot 2 only, to maintain the independence of the evaluation. It should be noted that successful bidders across the two contracts will be expected to share some data and resources in order to effectively fulfil the Programme objectives. Specifically, the Learning Partner will be expected to contribute to the development of the evaluation framework, develop a joint Data Sharing Agreement and regularly provide evidence on the activities delivered to the evaluation team, and to engage in research conducted by the Evaluator. The specific remit of the Learning Partner is to provide advice and facilitate learning that helps to maximise the effectiveness of cash-first interventions. The activities and approach to this work are detailed below: Role: to drive improvement by (1) providing tailored advice to each Partnership (2) delivering a series of peer-learning events between the Partnership cohort, and (3) gathering evidence for the Programme evaluation.

This specification sets out what is required, provides background information on the Programme and further outlines the rationale for the procurement. The specification makes suggestions on method, but bidders are encouraged to propose alternative methods for carrying out this work within the available budget and timescale. The Scottish Government is also seeking to appoint a Learning Partner to facilitate improvement and learning within and between Partnerships, and to support the gathering of evidence for the Programme evaluation. The Learning Partner services requirement is set out in the ‘Schedule 1A - Lot 1 - Specification’ document. Tenderers should submit bids for lot 1 or lot 2 only, to maintain the independence of the evaluation. It should be noted that successful bidders across the two contracts will be expected to collaborate and share some data and resources in order to effectively fulfil the Programme objectives. Specifically, the Evaluator will be expected to seek the Learning Partner’s views on the evaluation framework, develop a joint Data Sharing Agreement and support the Learning Partner to identify and supply evidence that is relevant to the evaluation. The specific remit of the Evaluator is to provide an independent view on the impact of the Cash-First Programme as a whole, with a final report anticipated in Spring 2026. They will draw on monitoring reports from Partnerships and evidence compiled by the Learning Partner, as well as undertaking interviews with Partnerships and a cross-section of people supported through the activities delivered. The Evaluator will also produce topical good practice resources such as case studies across the two years of the Fund. The activities and approach to this work are detailed below: Role: to assess implementation and impact of the overall Programme and inform future policy and practice by (1) developing an evaluation framework, (2) evaluating the Programme and (3) publishing reports and resources.