Procurement description
Procurement Description
United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) will shortly publish a procurement to either appoint one or more suppliers to deliver mediation and investigation services under three Lots.
The three are listed as follows: Lot 1 - Mediator Pool, Lot 2- Mediator Training, Lot 3 - Investigator Refresher Training. Lot 1 will run from 2026 to 2027, Lot 2 will run from 2027 to 2028 and Lot 3 will run from 2026 to 2027.
At this stage UKRI have structured the procurement into the following three Lots however bidders are to note this structure is not guaranteed and subject to change. The structure will be informed by the responses received as part of this Market Engagement Questionnaire. UKRI are currently considering the following options:
• Three individual Lots as described below
• Combine Lot 1 and Lot 2 to form a single Lot
• Combine all Lots into one singular requirement
UKRI are seeking engagement with the market to better inform our requirements. Intrested suppliers are to refer to the Engagement section of this notice for further details on preliminary market engagement process being undertaken.
Background
The Raising Concerns project aims to create a safer, respectful workplace by harmonising policies and processes, introducing a single digital front door for reporting (launch April 2026), strengthening investigation and mediation capacity, expanding informal resolution options, and embedding cultural change through updated training and restorative practices. This will promote openness, accountability, and psychological safety while reducing harm and improving organisational resilience.Therefore, UKRI is transforming its complaints and grievance procedure, supported by a new digital front door. As part of this transformation, UKRI is strengthening its mediation and investigation capability to ensure concerns are handled fairly, consistently, proportionately, and in compliance with employment and equality legislation.
Complaints and grievances may include:
• Workplace disputes.
• Allegations of bullying or harassment.
• Discrimination and victimisation claims.
• Whistleblowing concerns.
• Senior-level or executive grievances.
• High-sensitivity or reputationally significant matters.
Aims and Objectives
Lot 1 - Mediator Pool:
UKRI’s major initiative - Raising Concerns and the corresponding work processes and training will mainly focus on cases where line managers are unable resolve a work situation such as conflict or a grievance, it will be escalated through a revised formal and streamlined process.
At this stage, mediation may be required and, in this respect, it is important that UKRI have access to a pool of trained and competent mediators in place to meet the potential demand.Therefore, the aim is to establish access to a high-quality, scalable panel of independent mediators with specialist expertise in employment and workplace dispute resolution who can support the organisation in resolving grievances, reducing litigation risk, and strengthening internal capability through knowledge transfer and training.
Lot 2 - Mediator Training
The aims of this Lot is for suppliers to demonstrate how they will:
1. Provide rapid access to skilled mediators
2. Deliver legally robust mediation
3. Support early resolution and risk reduction
4. Embed skills transfer and capability building
5. Ensure consistency and professional standards
6. Operate with independence and impartiality
Lot 3 - Investigator Refresher Training
The aim is to strengthen organisation investigative capability through targeted refresher training for existing investigators able to manage complex sensitive, or high-risk employment grievance investigations.
Suppliers responding to the investigator refresher training Lot shall demonstrate how they will:
1. Enhance investigator competence
2. Support newly qualified/inexperienced investigators
3. Strengthen legal and procedural robustness
4. Promote consistency, fairness and credibility
Any suppliers would need to demonstrate and provide assurance that they have the professional expertise, experience, qualification, accreditation and certification required. Recognised accreditation bodies include CMC (Civil Mediation Council), International Mediation Institute, Universities or other equivalent professional accreditation bodies.