Procedure: Open
Issue Date: 30 October 2023
Closing Date: 13 November 2023

Context
In July 2019, Michael Ring TD, Minster for Community and Rural Development launched a strategy
for social enterprise for the years 2019 to 2022. The development of this Strategy was formed by a
2018 report on the status of Social Enterprise in Ireland, and the research underpinning the 2018
report highlighted large knowledge gaps regarding the extent and nature of social enterprise in
County Kilkenny, along with many other counties nationally.

Later in 2019 Kilkenny City won the primary award in the Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprise
Towns Awards. Recognising the importance of social enterprise to community, economic and social
development in the County, Kilkenny PPN member organisations subsequently approved a proposal
to commission a study of the extent of social enterprise in County Kilkenny.

Following on from this guidebook the Secretariat of Kilkenny wishes to offer a training programme
for Social Enterprises in County Kilkenny and community groups who have a social enterprise remit.

The training programme should be underpinned by an approach that is conscious of climate change –
the challenges and the building of resilient communities. To this end the buyers are seeking a
programme that will have dedicated components on the circular economy and have these linked to
how the concept and related practices make for more resilient communities.

This project should be seen in the context of the Circular Economy; this model is about
recirculating goods and materials in the economy for as long as possible, while maximising the
use of renewable resources and energy sources. This means reusing or repairing existing items, or
when that’s not possible, breaking them down into raw materials for the production of new, high
recycled-content items. It also means transitioning away from our reliance on coal and gas and
accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.  Social enterprises very often sit at the
centre of our more disadvantaged communities.  Prioritising an environmentally sustainable
business model can lead the way in positively contributing to a community’s efforts to tackle
climate change and take steps towards a just transition.  The programme should aim to inform
existing enterprises about the circular economy, using case studies to inspire future business
direction.  Sustainable operation should also be at the heart of the programme to ensure that as
a collective, the social enterprises of our counties are striving to reduce their impact on climate
change while positively contributing to climate action.

To this end, we are seeking tenders for the delivery of a programme that will contain the
following:

Training Programme Structure & Costings

Training Groups Number of Sessions Timeline
Building Your Business Plan

  • Stripping back and developing a new vision.
  • Define competitive advantage.
  • Define your targets.
  • Focus on systematic growth.
  • Make fact-based decisions.
  • Think long-term.
  • Be agile – the resilience of staff and volunteers. Investing in yourselves. Be inclusive.
 2 sessions group of 10 organisations – lead trainer with inputs from subject matter expert inputs €1,000.00 November — December 2023
Good Governance

  • Enabling delivery of strategy
  • Participation, Representation, Fair Conduct of Elections.
  • Responsiveness.
  • Efficiency and Effectiveness.
  • Openness and Transparency.
  • Rule of Law.
  • Ethical Conduct.
  • Competence and Capacity.
  • Innovation and Openness to Change.
  • HR, GDPR, Financial Management
  • Managing conflict (dedicated session).
 2 sessions group of 10 organisations – lead trainer with inputs from subject matter expert inputs €1,000.00 November — December 2023
Digital Innovation

  • What is our message?
  • General Marketing principles.
  • Innovation in the offering and how this is communicated.
  • Optimising digital technologies, building websites, and activating relevant platforms.
  • Digital marketing channels
 1 session group of 10 organisations – lead trainer with inputs from subject matter expert inputs €500.00 November — December 2023
Financial Planning & Management 3 sessions group of 10 organisations – lead trainer with inputs from subject matter expert inputs €1,500.00 November — December 2023
Number of Sessions 8 Total Sessions €4000.00

Process & Tender Evaluation

This successful tender must demonstrate a proven track record in:

  • Design and or Delivery of training and development programmes within the context of the
    modules identified.
  • Details of project team responsible for compiling the document, including details of the
    tasks assigned to the team members.
  • Confirmation of availability to commence completion within an appropriate time frame.
  • Price, including VAT and Expenses

Scoring Matrix

Quotation Scoring Criteria %
Evidence of tax compliance Pass / Fail
Relevant experience and track record of supplier 20
Price / Value for Money 30
Quality of Product – content and approach 10
Technical Support 10
Delivery of Project 15
After Care 15
Total: 100

Required format for submissions

General Information: Tenders should include the following information:

  • Name and contact details of the individual/organisation submitting the tender
  • Name and contact details of any third parties involved in the tender
  • Name of person dealing with the tender
  • Name of person(s) delivering each aspect of the project
  • Qualifications and experience of main contacts
  • Details of similar work undertaken
  • Capacity to deliver contract requirements
  • Content/programme design
  • Methodologies proposed (as per the previous section)
  • Timeframe / timetable proposed and availability
  • Itemised costings
  • Names and contact details of two referees
  • Up to date Tax Clearance Certificate and Tax Clearance Access Number
  • Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance

Finance and Governance

The total project budget is €4,000.00 must include all expenses and VAT. The successful bidder must have a
current Tax Clearance and Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Any queries should be addressed to or by phone to (acting) Kilkenny
PPN coordinator Bortha Woudsma on (056)-779-4255 or (087)-173-1634.