Postgraduate higher qualifications for HEIW

Concepts

• cardiff
• education and training
• higher qualifications
• similar qualifications
• postgraduate level
• the sole higher education institution
• higher
• postgraduate
• heiw
• adult education

Location

Wales:

Description

A STA is required for the commissioning of higher qualifications in optometry for the 2024-2025 period, to be delivered by Cardiff University. This is essential to support the upskilling of the optometry workforce in Wales to meet the demands of the new NHS optometry contract. Cardiff University is the sole higher education institution (HEI) in Wales offering the necessary Level 7 qualifications, ensuring accessibility and alignment with workforce needs. Other HEIs in England offer similar courses but are not eligible for Welsh Government funding, making Cardiff University uniquely positioned for this tender.

Total Quantity or Scope

The commissioning of higher qualifications for optometrists in Wales through a STA is required for the 2024-2025 period. This is driven by the need to upskill the optometry workforce to deliver the enhanced services under the new NHS optometry contract, which utilises a Banding system and includes additional remuneration for Independent Prescribing and other advanced services. The qualifications required include Independent Prescribing, Medical Retina, and Glaucoma certificates, among others, all of which are offered at Postgraduate Level 7. Cardiff University is uniquely positioned to deliver these courses, as it is the only higher education institution (HEI) in Wales that provides the requisite qualifications, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality training and excellent outcomes. While similar qualifications are available at HEIs in England, the funding from HEIW is exclusive to Welsh-based optometrists, making Cardiff University the only institution that can access these resources. Additionally, choosing a Welsh HEI minimises travel time and environmental impact while supporting the Welsh economy. For these reasons, Cardiff University is the only suitable provider for the timely delivery of these qualifications to meet the 2024-2025 workforce requirements and ensure compliance with the new NHS contract standards.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80430000 - Adult-education services at university level

Legal Justification

The commissioning of higher qualifications for optometrists in Wales through an STA is required for the 2024-2025 period. This is driven by the need to upskill the optometry workforce to deliver the enhanced services under the new NHS optometry contract, which utilises a Banding system and includes additional remuneration for Independent Prescribing and other advanced services. The qualifications required include Independent Prescribing, Medical Retina, and Glaucoma certificates, among others, all of which are offered at Postgraduate Level 7.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** (WA Ref:145976)