UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

The Development Bank of Wales (‘DBW’) is seeking to engage a qualified and experienced organisation to undertake a comprehensive review of our current pay and benefits structure. The aim is to ensure our remuneration practices are fair, competitive, and aligned with industry standards, organisational values, and strategic objectives. The successful organisation will undertake an annual pay and benefits benchmarking exercise to better understand how the Development Bank of Wales Group compares to the rest of the UK market. We will be using the open procedure to undertake this project with a view to appoint a single provider for an initial 3 year period with the option to extend for a further 3 years in 12 month increments. Annual Benchmarking Report for Group The groups benchmarking report should include: o public and private sector o all of the UK o equity/tech investment comparator information o a detailed analysis of market movement/ conditions etc o Comparison of DBW pay bands to the market, to account for inflation and market movement o Reference to pay equity in all areas including but not limited to - location, ethnicity and gender. Job Evaluation and individual benchmarking We also require job evaluation methodology for each individual role benchmarked. The provider should be confident they have access to meaningful benchmarking data to the company in this field, considering the geographical locations of the DBW, to ensure accurate salary recommendations are provided for each role that has been benchmarked. We are seeking an external Compensation and Benefits specialist to provide an annual benchmarking review of our pay and benefits in comparison to the UK market, and to provide advice on any movement in the market and any changes that should be made to the pay bands, individual roles, specialisms in respect of pay, incentives and benefits. In line with best practice, we require an ongoing Job Evaluation service to correctly size roles of up to 40 per year. The benchmarking review report is required to inform the annual pay review undertaken in April; therefore the annual report would be required at the beginning of March. The Job Evaluation service will be required on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year as roles develop. Detailed descriptions will be required for the submissions, assuming no prior knowledge. Objectives Assess the current pay and benefits framework. Benchmark against relevant sector and regional comparators. Identify areas of inequity, inefficiency, or misalignment. Recommend improvements to support recruitment, retention, and employee engagement. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice. Deliverables Inception report outlining methodology and timelines. Interim findings report with benchmarking data. Final report including: Analysis of current pay and benefits. Benchmarking outcomes. Recommendations for change. Implementation plan. Presentation to senior leadership. Tenderers must demonstrate: Proven experience in conducting pay and benefits reviews. Knowledge of relevant legislation and sector-specific standards. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The Development Bank of Wales (DBW) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government. We therefore have a duty to comply with the Welsh language standards, meaning that Welsh is treated no less favourably than English. All of our English language content requires translation. We are looking to appoint at a minimum of 2 suppliers for the provision of Translation and Support Services. This will include: Translation: The conversion of written documents into another language as text via human, computer assisted and machine translation solutions. Support Services: Additional services which include documentation formatting and file recreation. The Suppliers shall provide comprehensive Translation and Support services to enable DBW to translate and create supporting materials in Welsh. The Suppliers shall be able to facilitate a broad spectrum of requirements, for each the Suppliers shall utilise experienced individuals who can apply their skills appropriately to the specific requirements of DBW. This will include, but not be limited to: Advisory and instruction documents Correspondence, information leaflets Press releases and briefing documents Corporate publications including our annual report, documents and briefing papers Marketing collateral, subtitles and captions Technical, scientific, legal, financial or any other specialist category Proofreading The Suppliers shall ensure that all Visual Translations and Transcriptions shall be completed by accredited Individuals. The Suppliers must fulfil 98% of all translation within the accepted turnaround target set by the buyer. The Suppliers is permitted to use Machine Translation (MT) with the explicit permission from DBW. The Suppliers must ensure that these services are only utilised when clear efficiencies and cost savings can be demonstrated, or at the express request of DBW. Consideration should include: Type of Content Language Pairing Buyer’s accuracy requirements Volume of content Turnaround Times Any use of a technological solution shall be implemented securely, ensuring that all software complies with the security standards, Data Security. The Suppliers must also ensure that all data is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Act 2016. The Suppliers agrees to retain any template documents, Translation Memories, or Language Databases and will not charge for duplicate translations during the contract period. The template/Translation Memory will remain the property of the DBW and will be returned at the conclusion of the contract. Any documents and/or data stored within the Supplier's database related to the Services provided will remain the property of DBW. The service may be required at any location within Wales, including instances where Translation must be conducted at DBWs premises for security reasons. In such cases, travel costs will be reimbursed according to DBWs travel policy. The supplier shall ensure that it has a robust quality management process for all translation projects. This process must include checks to ensure that all translations are accurate and consistent with the original source material, and where necessary corrections of any errors in the translated content, such as spelling or grammar errors, formatting, punctuation, or syntax should be made at no additional cost. The Suppliers shall also ensure it has sufficient resources and capabilities to provide proofing services. This service shall be undertaken by an independent, but equally qualified translator, to undertake a final check for any errors to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy. The Suppliers must ensure that all translators translate only into their native language. In cases where this is not possible, translations must be thoroughly revised by a native English speaker with the necessary subject matter expertise, at no additional cost to DBW. This process ensures the quality and accuracy of the translated content. The Suppliers should have dedicated project management personnel who will provide oversight of DBWs translation project(s), provide updates on the project(s) and serve as a conduit for answering any queries or requests from DBW. Translation: The range of Translator qualifications for this service include, but are not limited to, the below. The Suppliers must be able to provide all of the below upon request within the pricing submitted. ● Honours degree in the relevant language and/or a degree in Communications or Translation. ● Membership and/or professional training with Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru / Society of Welsh Translators. Mandatory Service Requirements The Suppliers must deliver an end-to-end service with a seamless process for the end user, utilising its own Individuals, contracted Individuals, and, if necessary, Sub Contractors. The Suppliers must embed added value and saving benefits into the service delivery for Buyers and more efficient and innovative ways of working must be shared with the Buyer, with any added value or savings passed onto the Buyer. The Suppliers must maintain a strong focus on continuous improvement by regularly seeking feedback on their service and using this feedback to develop strategies that drive and improve future service delivery. The Suppliers may explore the use of robotic process automation or artificial intelligence (AI) in delivering Services to the Buyer on a case-by-case basis, where it demonstrates additional benefits. If considering any AI solution, the Suppliers must align with the following, including other relevant or updated guidance for the Public Sector throughout the duration of this agreement or Call Off: Data Ethics Framework Understanding Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Safety Generative AI Framework for HMG Code of conduct: As an integral aspect of Framework delivery, Suppliers are required to establish a Code of Conduct that all Individuals engaged in the provision of Services under the Framework must agree to and comply with. Individuals registered with a Regulatory Organization may alternatively adhere to the respective Code of Conduct of that organisation. The Code of Conduct mandates that Individuals: Maintain strict confidentiality, refraining from seeking personal gain through information disclosed during their work. Accept assignments only within their competency, ensuring delivery to the standard required by the Buyer. Refrain from Individuals assigned by the Supplier to complete an assignment from passing on or subcontracting assignments to other Individuals, regardless of their ability to fulfil the requirements. Act impartially and professionally in all actions related to the provision of Language Services under this Framework Contract. Avoid discrimination for or against parties based on grounds such as race, colour, ethnic origin, age, nationality, religion, sex, sexuality, disability, or political allegiance. Disclose any information, including criminal records, that may render them unsuitable for a particular case. Immediately disclose any conflict of interest arising from the end user being known to the Individual, allowing the Buyer to determine whether to proceed with the booking. Disclose any business, financial, family, or other interest, personal or otherwise, relevant to the matter at hand. Reject payment for information about the Authority/Buyer or details of the Buyer's assignments or information shared as part of the assignment. Avoid engaging in behaviour likely to discredit the Authority/Buyer, including impairment through drugs or alcohol, sexual misconduct, violence, intimidation, or abusive behaviour. Report any areas of concern, poor practice, or potential safeguarding issues to the Supplier, who will bring these to the attention of DBW. Adhere to the Ethical Standards of their Professional Bodies, where membership is held. The Suppliers are required to implement a process for the annual renewal of agreement to the Code of Conduct. Additionally, a fair and transparent procedure must be in place for Individuals accused of breaching the Supplier's Code of Conduct, including: A fair and transparent investigation. A proportional outcome in case of a confirmed breach. If necessary, the removal of the individual from being utilised within the Framework In the event of a breach involving an Individual who is a member of a Regulatory Body, the Supplier shall collaborate with the Body to achieve a resolution. Compliance In the event that an Individual's quality, ability, or integrity is compromised, DBW retain the right to instruct the Supplier to cease deploying that individual on any Call-Off Contract under the Framework. Decisions in each case will be made on a case-by-case basis and supported with appropriate evidence. The Supplier will not charge for any cancellations of Translation, Transcription or Support Services unless evidence can be provided that the assignment has already been started. If this can be evidenced by the Supplier then they can charge the full value of the assignment.

We are inviting suppliers to express an interest in the notice and provide an overview either face to face in our Cardiff office or via Teams on how the organisation will be able to support our requirements.

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice is to inform the market that the Development Bank of Wales Group will be publishing a contract notice in August 2023 inviting tenders to provide surveying and valuation services to the schemes contained within the DBW Group Property Fund.

The capacity and capability of the inhouse team needs to be strengthened with the appointment of at least one freelance communications professional who can work as an extension of the team to help tell our story; identifying specific media opportunities and delivering a programme of regular PR content. This will include press releases, thought leadership articles, case studies and media briefings. This will include sector-specific and national media. There are two specific areas of work. They are not exclusive to each other but more than one freelancer may be appointed depending upon specialist experience: 1. Strategic media content for the national, finance, investment, property and tech media. 2. General B2B media in Wales and copywriting Working to the Group Communications Specialist and alongside the internal Press Officer, core responsibilities will then include: Strategic media Identifying value-added B2B and sector specific media opportunities for discussion and commentary with a target of one per month. Finance, investment, property and tech media will be a key priority. General B2B media and copywriting Researching and drafting press releases and case for placement with Welsh business press and UK investment/finance media. Providing ad-hoc copywriting support on a project basis as required including, but not limited to, the annual report. The nature of this work requires excellent B2B copywriting skills and proven experience of working with business media. All content will need to be bilingual, but translation can be managed internally. Weekly planning meetings will be held online via Teams to agree and monitor workflow. Input will need to be tracked on an hourly basis using daily timesheets. All content will need to be produced error free and in line with existing brand guidelines to reflect the Development Bank’s agreed tone and style. The successful tenderer/s will need to be responsive and able to turn work around quickly, often within tight timescales. Core working hours are 9am – 5pm but written work can be done at a time and location to suit the individual. The successful tenderer/s will be responsible for co-ordinating necessary stakeholder approvals, but the internal team will take responsibility for organising any photography, final sign-off and translation. It is not envisaged that any support will be required with crisis communications or issues management