Independent Mediation Service for Education Health and Care Assessments and Reviews and Disagreement Resolution Service for SEND.

Durham County Council has completed an open tender process for an Independent Mediation Service related to Education, Health and Care Assessments and Reviews, along with a Disagreement Resolution Service for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Designated to enhance mediation services as mandated by the SEND Code of Practice, this initiative aimed to resolve issues prior to families lodging appeals with the Tribunal. The service provider, WHY MEDIATE LIMITED, was awarded the contract, effective from 20 October 2025 to 19 October 2027, with options for extension due to potential demand and legislative changes.

This contract, valued at up to £300,000, falls within the education, training, health, and social work services categories, serving the UKC14 region. This tender provides significant growth opportunities for SMEs specialising in mediation and advisory services within the education and health sectors. Businesses with expertise in handling disagreement resolutions in educational settings or those with capabilities to adapt to policy changes, such as the upcoming White paper, will find this contract particularly valuable.

The open competition procurement method indicates a competitive environment yet assures impartiality, thus encouraging participation from small to medium-sized enterprises that can meet the essential criteria and price requirements set forth by Durham County Council.