Invitation to tender for the Evaluation of the Connect4 ‘Run with Rob’ Programme

Established by the Connect 4 in 2024, as a tool for engaging young people that are detached or feel disconnected, in West Tallaght, ‘Run with Rob’ is a health driven programme that aims to prevent, divert, educate, and inspire. Promoting physical activity that benefits mind and body, while allowing Connect 4 to engage with Young People, of all abilities, and empower them to be their best selves.

Healthy Ireland & South Dublin CYPSC kindly support ‘Run with Rob’ 

The Connect 4 Detached Street Work Project, which started in April 2022, consists of 4 street-based youth workers (1 which is team leader), supporting detached vulnerable young people in West Tallaght, Killinarden and Jobstown.

Model: The project is based on the Easy Street model which started in Sweden and was previously adopted by the TRY Project in Dublin 8 and BRYR in Ballymun.

Rationale: Over several years, it became clear to South Dublin County Partnership and Tallaght Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force that a more targeted approach to youth work / prevention was required in very disadvantaged areas of West Tallaght.

South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP hereafter): Connect4 is a pilot project of SDCP. SDCP is a local development organisation tackling poverty and social exclusion in South Dublin County. SDCP develop projects and services to support sustainable and vibrant communities where people realise their potential and experience a high quality of life.

Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF hereafter): is a sub-structure of SDCP, the Connect4 project was developed in “partnership”. TDATF is at the forefront of an integrated response to the impact of substance misuse on local communities, families, and individuals in the Tallaght and Whitechurch area. TDATF was one of 14 Local Drugs Task Forces set up in 1997 to facilitate a more effective response to the issue of problematic drug use in communities.

Tender Brief:

To independently evaluate the purpose, impact, and outcomes of the Run with Rob Programme, a Connect 4 initiative, and if applicable, make recommendations for its sustainability.

It is envisaged that this work will involve:

• Brief desk review (initiative commenced 2024)
• Consult with key stakeholders including Connect4 team, Connect4 Advisory group, funders, SDCP board members, local communities / service users, youth & community services, community drug projects, schools
• To consult with the TDATF Coordinator & Connect 4 Team Leader as required
• At the end of the project, to make recommendations and / or adaptation, of this programme, as a tool of engagement

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

We are seeking a qualified individual or organisation that can demonstrate competence and experience in the following:

• Proven experience on similar projects
• Experience of producing high quality research within a community development or youth work context
• Experience in managing complex multi stakeholder projects.
• Delivering on projects within an agreed period
• An understanding of poverty, disadvantage, trauma, substance misuse and their impact on communities, particularly youth people
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality

TIME:

We propose a start time of mid-October, to be completed by the end of November. However, we are open to having conversations with interested parties as to how such a schedule & process can be meaningfully structured, maximising the resources and time between now and year end.

REPORTING:

The person / or organisation will report to the TDATF Coordinator on a regular basis.

SUBMISSIONS 

Tenders are requested from appropriately qualified and experienced individuals / organisations and should include all the following:

• Details of qualifications and experience of all workers involved in project.
• Details of previous work undertaken including relevant experience and knowledge.
• Proposed process to meet the key objectives. This would include a breakdown of days or more likely hours committed to project with clear description of milestones with proposed dates including cost per day per consultant
• Details of two referees
• Details of any current or recent piece of work of a similar project.
• Any other relevant information in support of proposal.
• Rate per day per consultant
• Tax Clearance
• Indemnified Insurance

CRITERIA

The decision to award this contract will be based on submissions received from those who fulfil the criteria under the headings above for ‘Candidate Specification’ and elements of ‘Submissions.’

Any potential conflict of interest and/or loyalty must be clearly stated in the submission.

A review group will be responsible for the selection of the appropriate person for this task. This may include an interview and a presentation if deemed necessary for the selection of the best candidate. They will look closely at:

• The candidate or organisation that best meets the candidate specification.
• Overall quality and feasibility of the proposal.
• Cost and value for money.
• Skill, expertise, and experience of the consultant.
• Ability to work within the required time limit.
• Ability to commit to completing a clear and well-argued report, by end of October 2024

Cost

Tenders should be priced inclusive of all service charges and VAT.

Budget for this evaluation circa €4,000

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Thursday September 26th, 2024
Applications by e-mail can be sent to: grace.hill@sdcpartnership.ie

For any queries please contact:
Grace Hill, Coordinator TDATF
c/o South Dublin County Partnership
Block 3, County Hall
Belgard Square North
Tallaght, D/24
Ph. 01 464 9303 / 087 239 5581
Email: grace.hill@sdcpartnership.ie
Web: http://www.tallaghtdatf.ie/
Web: http://www.sdcpartnership.ie/