Access Consultant Services

This Prior Information Notice ('PIN') provides information about a potential upcoming opportunity. There is no guarantee that the Department for Work & Pensions ('DWP') will proceed to a procurement. DWP seeks responses to this PIN in order to gauge the level of interest from suppliers. The route-to-market has not yet been decided, at time of publishing. If you are interested in this opportunity please email craig.garsed@dwp.gov.uk. Please confirm that ALL individuals to be deployed on this potential contract are accredited with the NRAC (National Register of Access Consultants), along with a relevant technical qualification (RIBA, RICS, etc).

The supplier will support DWP Design Standards, DWP Estates, Workplace Transformation and any other DWP program in its work on understanding disability and neurodiversity as applied to the built environment. The supplier will provide detailed technical support to the DWP, will critique existing and proposed buildings in line with BS8300 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment, PAS 6463 Design for the Mind, the Building Regulations in England (and equivalent guidance in the devolved nations) and other relevant guidance; and comment on stakeholder engagement processes. The supplier may also critique the work of Access Auditors employed by the DWP through the DWP professional services framework or other routes, and Design & Access Statements by others. Access consultants must be NRAC accredited, with comprehensive knowledge of inclusion technical guidance. They will need to demonstrate ongoing continued professional development (CPD) and be able to advise on forthcoming changes to legislative guidance. The supplier must be professionally qualified (e.g. RIBA, RICS) and highly competent in this sector, having relevant technical expertise, qualifications and substantive experience in successfully undertaking similar roles. A strong team ethic is essential, allied to an ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide and diverse stakeholder community.