Invitation to tender for the delivery and independent evaluation of a pilot drugs prevention education programme, of a sample of post-primary schools and further education institutions in the TDATF area

Rationale: 

The Department of Education & Science are open to Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Forces, appropriately supporting drugs education in schools; once support is done in consultation with relevant school representatives, in complementing the SPHE curriculum and in conjunction with evidence-based approaches and the European Prevention Curriculum. In 2024, TDATF commissioned a scoping study, ‘Examining the needs of school communities in Tallaght & Whitechurch regarding substance use prevention education’;– “To Pilot an evidence-informed substance use prevention education programme in post primary and FET school communities”

South Dublin County Partnership 

(SDCP hereafter): 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. 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.

Context

As a Task Force, we have some capacity to support schools around drugs education, including but not limited to teacher training and supporting development of drug policies. We receive regular requests from schools (mostly secondary schools) seeking a more hands on and practical approach. In general, the supports sought from TDATF, is the delivery of a once off talk or programme for a particular class year. Over the past two years, schools in West Tallaght have also appreciated the value of having a detached street work project in the community, to which they can refer vulnerable and “detached” young people. There have also been requests for Connect 4 to deliver drugs education modules in schools, however, this is not part of their remit.

TDATF is now seeking to deliver a more systematic approach to drugs education and prevention in schools which is more embedded in schools and has longer term impact. We are seeking a partner to work with us on this pilot programme as detailed below.

It is envisaged that this pilot programme will include:

• Familiarity of proposed prevention curriculum “Unplugged”
• Consultation with TDATF staff and key stakeholders; teachers and young people
• To support TDATF Community Drug Education & Intervention worker in delivery of drugs education programme over 8 weeks, to four institutions; co-facilitating where necessary
• To put in place, a mechanism for an outcome focused, independent evaluation of the pilot, to be carried out in parallel
• At the end of the pilot, to produce and present to TDATF, a comprehensive report of the pilot programme, outlining clear findings and recommendations for future delivery / sustainability etc and costings for same.

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 governance / management context
• Experience in teaching or education programme delivery
• An understanding of SPHE and European Prevention Curriculums
• Delivering on projects within an agreed time
• An understanding of Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Forces, the National Drugs Strategy and community drugs / drugs education / prevention focused work.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Knowledgeable on the responsibilities under the Charities Regulator

TIME FRAME:

We are proposing to run this pilot, with schools, before the end the 2024 / 2025 academic year; and if successful in doing so, we also expect the production of an evaluation report by the end of September 2025.

REPORTING:

The successful tender applicant 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.
• Ability to commit to completing a clear and well-argued study, by the end of April 2024

Cost

Tenders should be priced inclusive of all service charges and VAT.
The budget for this project is approximately €20,000

Closing date for applications: 5pm 21st February
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/