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OAKLAND GROUP SERVICES LIMITED

Data Platform Software Service

Oakland’s Data Platform Software Service delivers a full-stack, cloud-native data platform, designed to meet the diverse needs of organisations. Our service is technology-agnostic, leveraging leading cloud technologies such as Azure, AWS, Databricks, and more, and is tailored to each client’s requirements for scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness.

Features

  • Full-Stack Data Platform Capability
  • Technology-Agnostic Approach
  • Cloud-Native Architecture
  • Rapid “Lighthouse” Pilots
  • Open and Extensible Design
  • Expert Data Engineering
  • Collaborative Delivery Model
  • Agile and Adaptive Implementation
  • Comprehensive Data Governance
  • Structured Onboarding and Offboarding

Benefits

  • Enables seamless data integration and analytics.
  • Always selects best-fit cloud technologies for your needs.
  • Scalable, secure, and cost-effective data platform delivery.
  • Delivers immediate operational value and proof of concept.
  • Avoids vendor lock-in; easy to maintain and extend.
  • Modernises infrastructure and supports advanced analytics initiatives.
  • Ensures knowledge transfer and builds internal capability.
  • Adapts to change and embeds continuous improvement.
  • Ensures data quality, compliance, and regulatory alignment.
  • Smooth adoption, knowledge transfer, and clear exit process.

Pricing

  • Education pricing available

Service documents

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at tenders@weareoakland.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 15

Service ID

1 0 2 1 4 0 3 3 6 6 3 9 3 1 3

Contact

OAKLAND GROUP SERVICES LIMITED Phil Bent
Telephone: 0113 2341944
Email: tenders@weareoakland.com

About your service

Service categories

Application Development and Deployment

Integration and orchestration

Business to business middleware

  • B2B Gateway Middleware
  • B2B Collaboration Networks and B2B Managed Services

Integration software

  • Integration Platforms

Event stream processing

  • Messaging Middleware
  • Stream Processing Software
Multi cloud support
Yes

Service scope

Software add-on or extension
Yes, but can also be used as a standalone service
What software services is the service an extension to
Oakland’s Data Platform Software Service can integrate with other software services (e.g., cloud platforms, analytics tools), but it is also designed to operate independently as a complete, end-to-end data platform solution.
Cloud deployment model
  • Public cloud
  • Private cloud
  • Hybrid cloud
Service constraints
Our service is tailored to each client, so technical capabilities and technologies are defined after understanding your requirements and current data stack. Integration may depend on the availability of your internal teams and systems. Migration projects may require business process changes and user training. Some downtime or business change may be unavoidable during technology migration, though we work to minimise this. Ongoing support is not included by default and must be arranged separately. We do not lock clients into long-term support contracts, ensuring flexibility and control for your organisation.
System requirements
  • Modern cloud infrastructure (Azure, AWS, or equivalent required).
  • Secure network connectivity for data integration and access.
  • Sufficient storage capacity for data ingestion and analytics.
  • Compatible operating systems for platform components and tools.
  • User authentication via enterprise identity provider (e.g., Azure AD).
  • API access for integration with existing business systems.
  • Supported web browsers for platform management and analytics.
  • Minimum bandwidth for reliable data transfer and processing.
  • Access to source data systems for migration and integration.
  • Administrative permissions for deployment and configuration activities.

User support

Email or online ticketing support
Yes
Support response times
Oakland provides both email and online ticketing support as part of our managed service offering. Clients can raise support requests via a dedicated email address or through our online ticketing portal, ensuring prompt and traceable resolution of issues. This support is included as standard, with no extra cost for core service users. Response times are different at weekends, with the majority being responded to during normal working hours.
User can manage status and priority of support tickets
Yes
Online ticketing support accessibility
WCAG 2.2 AA
Phone support
Yes
Phone support availability
9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
Web chat support
No
Onsite support
Yes
Support levels
Oakland’s managed service provides a dedicated leadership team for each engagement, including a service manager (assigned for five or more resources), an account leader, and a director. This team oversees onboarding, demand planning, performance, and quality management. Support is delivered through: Proactive resource management and demand planning Rigorous quality management of deliverables Regular KPI reporting and service reviews Onboarding and training of resources to client standards All clients benefit from these support features as part of the managed service. The service is designed to scale with client needs, and rates can be structured as daily resource rates, fixed monthly fees, or team-based fees. A dedicated service manager acts as the main point of contact for larger engagements, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with client objectives.
Support available to third parties
No

Onboarding and offboarding

Getting started
We provide a structured onboarding process to ensure users can start using our Data Platform Software Service smoothly and confidently. The process begins with a discovery session to understand your current data landscape, requirements, and objectives. We then deliver a tailored onboarding plan, including technical setup, user access configuration, and integration with existing systems.

Comprehensive documentation and user guides are provided to support initial adoption. We offer interactive training sessions, both remote and onsite, covering platform features, data management, and analytics capabilities. Our team works closely with your stakeholders to ensure knowledge transfer and answer any questions.

Throughout onboarding, we provide dedicated support, including access to our helpdesk and technical experts. We monitor progress, address issues promptly, and adapt the onboarding plan as needed to meet your organisation’s needs. Clear milestones and feedback loops ensure users are comfortable and confident with the platform.

At the end of onboarding, we conduct a review to confirm successful adoption and provide recommendations for ongoing optimisation. Our approach ensures a seamless transition, minimises disruption, and empowers users to realise the full value of the service from day one.
Service documentation
Yes
Documentation formats
  • HTML
  • ODF
  • PDF
  • Other
Other documentation formats
  • PPT
  • Word
  • Excel
End-of-contract data extraction
At contract end, we provide a clear, structured offboarding process to ensure users can extract all their data securely and efficiently. Users are given advance notice of contract termination and receive comprehensive guidance on data extraction options. Data can be exported in commonly used, open formats (such as CSV, JSON, or Parquet) to ensure compatibility with other systems. We support both self-service extraction via the platform’s management interface and, if required, provide direct assistance from our technical team for bulk or complex exports.
All data, including raw datasets, processed outputs, and metadata, is made available for download. We provide detailed documentation and checklists to guide users through the extraction process, ensuring nothing is missed. Upon request, we can also supply data on encrypted physical media, following strict security protocols.
After confirmation that all data has been successfully extracted and received, we follow a secure data deletion process, providing evidence of deletion if required. Our approach ensures users retain full control and ownership of their data, supporting a smooth and compliant transition to new services or platforms.
End-of-contract process
At the end of the contract, we initiate a structured offboarding process to ensure a smooth transition. Users receive advance notice and clear guidance on data extraction, with all data made available in open, standard formats. We provide documentation and support to facilitate data transfer, and, upon confirmation of successful extraction, securely delete any remaining data in line with agreed protocols.

Included in the contract price are:
Initial onboarding and knowledge transfer
Access to the data platform and agreed features
Standard user support during business hours
Regular service reviews and performance reporting
Documentation for onboarding, usage, and offboarding

Additional costs may apply for:
Custom development or integration beyond the agreed scope
Out-of-hours or enhanced support
Onsite training or workshops
Data extraction assistance beyond standard self-service options
Provision of data on physical media
Extended platform access beyond contract end for transition purposes

Our approach ensures transparency, with all included and optional services clearly defined from the outset. This enables buyers to plan effectively and avoid unexpected costs at contract end.
Documentation accessibility standard
WCAG 2.2 AA

Using the service

Web browser interface
Yes
Supported browsers
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Opera
  • Other
Application to install
No
Designed for use on mobile devices
Yes
Differences between the mobile and desktop service
The mobile version provides access to core features such as dashboards, data visualisation, and basic management tools through a responsive web interface. While users can view and interact with data, some advanced configuration and customisation options may be limited compared to the desktop experience. The desktop version offers the full range of features, including complex integrations, detailed analytics setup, and administrative controls. Both versions prioritise security and usability, ensuring users can access essential functionality wherever they are.
Service interface
No
User support accessibility
WCAG 2.2 AA
API
No
Customisation available
Yes
Description of customisation
Our Data Platform Software Service is highly customisable to meet each organisation’s unique needs.

What can be customised:
Data sources, integrations, and connectors
Data storage and processing options
Analytics, dashboards, and reporting features
Security settings and user access controls
Workflow automation and business rules
Platform branding and user interface elements

How users can customise:
Customisation is achieved through configuration tools within the platform, supported by comprehensive documentation and guidance. Users can select and connect data sources, define data models, set up dashboards, and adjust security settings via intuitive management interfaces. Advanced customisation, such as bespoke integrations or workflow automation, can be delivered by our team in collaboration with the client.

Who can customise:
Authorised users with appropriate permissions, typically system administrators, data engineers, or business analysts, can perform most customisations directly. For more complex requirements, Oakland’s technical team provides support and can implement advanced customisations as part of the service.

This flexible approach ensures the platform aligns with organisational goals, technical environments, and user preferences, empowering clients to maximise value and adapt as needs evolve.

Scaling

Independence of resources
We guarantee consistent performance by using scalable, cloud-native architecture with automatic resource allocation. Each client’s environment is logically separated, preventing one user’s demand from impacting others. Load balancing and real-time monitoring proactively manage spikes in usage, ensuring reliable service. Service-level agreements further protect users from performance degradation.

Analytics

Service usage metrics
Yes
Metrics types
We provide clear, measurable service metrics to ensure transparency and performance assurance. These include:

Availability/Uptime: 99.9% SLA for platform services.
Performance: Query response times and data processing throughput monitored continuously.
Scalability: Elastic resource utilisation tracked against demand.
Security: Vulnerability scan results and compliance adherence (CSA CCM v4.0).
Incident Response: Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Resolve (MTTR) reported monthly.
Support: Ticket resolution times and user satisfaction scores.
Metrics are accessible via dashboards and regular reports, enabling proactive monitoring and governance.
Reporting types
  • API access
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request
Resource tagging
Yes
FOCUS resource tagging
Yes

Resellers

Supplier type
Not a reseller

Staff security

Staff security clearance
Conforms to BS7858:2019
Government security clearance
Developed Vetting (DV)

Asset protection

Knowledge of data storage and processing locations
Yes
Data storage and processing locations
  • United Kingdom
  • European Economic Area (EEA)
User control over data storage and processing locations
Yes
Datacentre security standards
Complies with a recognised standard (for example CSA CCM version 4.0)
Penetration testing frequency
At least once a year
Penetration testing approach
‘IT Health Check’ performed by a CREST-approved service provider
Protecting data at rest
  • Physical access control, complying with CSA CCM v4.0
  • Physical access control, complying with SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
  • Encryption of all physical media
Data sanitisation process
Yes
Equipment disposal approach
Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001
Data sanitisation type
  • Deleted data can’t be directly accessed / Cryptographic Erasure
  • Data Erasure
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation / Secure Erase

Data importing and exporting

Data export approach
Users can export their data directly from the platform using built-in export tools. Data is available in open, standard formats such as CSV, JSON, or Parquet. Step-by-step guides and support are provided to ensure a smooth export process. Additional assistance is available for bulk or complex data extractions if required.
Data export formats
  • CSV
  • Other
Other data export formats
  • JSON
  • Parquet
Data import formats
  • CSV
  • Other
Other data import formats
  • JSON
  • Parquet

Data-in-transit protection

Data protection between buyer and supplier networks
  • Private network or public sector network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
Other protection between networks
We protect data in transit using TLS v1.2 or above for all connections, ensuring encryption and integrity. Legacy SSL/TLS versions below 1.2 are not permitted. For secure remote connectivity, we support IPsec or TLS VPN gateways configured with strong cipher suites and mutual authentication.

Additional measures:
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS)
Certificate pinning and strict key management
Private endpoints and network segmentation where feasible
Continuous vulnerability monitoring and compliance with NCSC Cloud Security Principle 1
Data protection within supplier network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
Other protection within supplier network
Protection between networks
We protect data in transit using TLS v1.2 or above for all connections, ensuring encryption and integrity. Legacy SSL/TLS versions below 1.2 are not permitted. For secure remote connectivity, we support IPsec or TLS VPN gateways configured with strong cipher suites and mutual authentication.

Additional measures:
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS)
Certificate pinning and strict key management
Private endpoints and network segmentation where feasible
Continuous vulnerability monitoring and compliance with NCSC Cloud Security Principle 1

Availability and resilience

Guaranteed availability
Oakland guarantees 99.9% availability for our Infrastructure Software as a Service (iSaaS) Data Platform Software Service, measured monthly and excluding scheduled maintenance windows agreed in advance. Availability is monitored continuously, and performance metrics are shared via dashboards and monthly reports to ensure transparency.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs):

Platform Uptime: 99.9% availability for core services.
Incident Response: Pre-defined SLAs for common events, including critical incidents addressed within 4–8 hours and lower severity issues within 16–80 hours, as evidenced in client support agreements (e.g., Network Rail).
Resolution: Issues are prioritised by severity and resolved within agreed timelines.

Refunds:
If availability falls below the guaranteed level, Oakland applies proportional service credits against monthly fees based on downtime duration. This ensures fairness and compliance with industry best practice.
Our SLA framework aligns with recognised standards such as CSA CCM v4.0 and supports proactive monitoring, rapid remediation, and continuous improvement. Combined with robust governance and Zero Trust principles, this approach provides clients with confidence in service resilience and operational security.
Approach to resilience
Approach to Resilience
Our iSaaS Data Platform Software Service is designed for high resilience and fault tolerance. We leverage cloud-native architectures across leading providers (Azure, AWS, GCP) to ensure redundancy and continuity. Services are deployed in multiple availability zones, with automated failover and load balancing to maintain performance during component failures. Data is replicated across geographically separate regions to protect against localised outages, and backups are encrypted and scheduled regularly.
Datacentre Resilience:
Our hosting environments comply with Tier III+ standards, featuring redundant power, cooling, and network connectivity. Disaster recovery plans include Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) aligned to client SLAs, ensuring rapid restoration in the event of disruption.
Additional Measures:
Continuous monitoring, proactive health checks, and automated scaling maintain service stability under variable demand. Security and resilience controls align with CSA CCM v4.0 and ISO best practices. Detailed datacentre architecture and resilience documentation is available on request for security reasons.
This approach ensures uninterrupted service delivery, robust asset protection, and compliance with government cloud security principles.
Outage reporting
Outage Reporting
Our service provides transparent and timely outage reporting through multiple channels to ensure clients remain informed:

Public Dashboard: A real-time status dashboard displays current service health, planned maintenance, and incident updates. This is accessible via a secure web portal.
API Access: Clients can integrate outage and status information into their own monitoring tools through a RESTful API, enabling automated alerts and reporting.
Email Alerts: Immediate notifications are sent to designated contacts for any service disruption, including incident details, estimated resolution time, and progress updates.
Incident Reports: Post-incident summaries are provided, detailing root cause, corrective actions, and preventive measures.

Our approach aligns with government cloud security principles and CSA CCM v4.0 standards, ensuring transparency and operational resilience. Clients can also opt for SMS alerts or integration with collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams) for critical updates.
This multi-channel reporting ensures stakeholders receive timely, accurate information to manage business continuity effectively.

Identity and authentication

User authentication needed
Yes
User authentication
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels
Access to management interfaces is restricted using role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication. Only authorised users, such as administrators, can access sensitive settings. Support channels require user verification before discussing account-specific information. All access is logged and regularly reviewed to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorised changes.
Access restriction testing frequency
At least once a year
Management access authentication
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)

Audit information for users

Access to user activity audit information
Users receive audit information on a regular basis
How long user audit data is stored for
At least 12 months
Access to supplier activity audit information
Users receive audit information on a regular basis
How long supplier audit data is stored for
At least 12 months
How long system logs are stored for
At least 12 months

Security governance

Named board-level person responsible for service security
Yes
Security governance certified
Yes
Security governance standards
ISO/IEC 27001
Information security policies and processes
We follow robust information security policies aligned with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials+ standards. Our policies cover data protection, access control, incident management, and regular risk assessments. All staff receive mandatory security training and must adhere to strict confidentiality and acceptable use guidelines.

Our reporting structure includes a designated Information Security Officer responsible for policy oversight, incident response, and regular audits. Security incidents are reported immediately to the Information Security Officer, who coordinates investigation, remediation, and communication with stakeholders. Regular internal audits and external assessments ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

We enforce policies through technical controls such as role-based access, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. Policy updates are communicated promptly, and compliance is monitored via automated tools and periodic reviews. Any breaches or non-compliance are addressed through corrective actions and additional training as needed.
We maintain clear documentation of all policies and procedures, which are reviewed and updated annually or in response to significant changes.

This comprehensive approach ensures that information security is embedded in our culture and operations, protecting client data and maintaining trust at all times.
Software Security Code of Practice
Yes

Operational security

Configuration and change management standard
Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
Configuration and change management approach
We maintain a CMDB and version-controlled Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) for all components, ensuring traceability from requirement to deployment. Hardened baselines (e.g., CIS Benchmarks) are enforced, and all changes undergo automated validation, including linting, SAST, policy-as-code, and compliance checks in pre-production. Approved changes are deployed via CI/CD pipelines with MFA-protected approvals and least privilege service principals. Drift detection alerts on unauthorised changes, with remediation or reconciliation into code. Security impact is assessed through dependency scanning, container image checks, and runtime hardening. Audit logs and compliance reports are retained and reviewed regularly to maintain secure, verifiable baselines.
Vulnerability management type
Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
Vulnerability management approach
We use Microsoft Defender for Cloud and XDR for continuous vulnerability scanning across VMs, containers, and PaaS services, integrated with MDVM for endpoints. Threats are assessed using CVSS scores, exploitability, and business context, prioritised via Secure Score. Patches for critical vulnerabilities are deployed within 24–48 hours; high severity within 7 days. Threat intelligence is sourced from Microsoft feeds, industry advisories, and NCSC guidance. Automated remediation enforces policies and hardening, with emergency changes following expedited approvals. All actions are logged in ITSM, reported monthly, and aligned with CSA CCM v4.0 and SSAE‑18 for compliance and audit evidence.
Protective monitoring type
Complies with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v4.0 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
Protective monitoring approach
We continuously monitor systems, networks, and identities using Microsoft Defender for Cloud, XDR, and Sentinel SIEM. Potential compromises are identified through real-time alerts, threat intelligence feeds, and behavioural analytics. High-risk incidents trigger automated containment actions such as device isolation and account lockout. All alerts are triaged by our SOC, which operates 24/7 or agreed hours, with critical incidents responded to within one hour. Investigations include root cause analysis and evidence collection for compliance. Activities are logged, retained, and reported monthly, including MTTD and MTTR metrics. Our approach aligns with SSAE‑18 and CSA CCM v4.0 for audit and governance.
Incident management type
Complies with a recognised standard, for example, CSA CCM v4.0 or ISO/IEC 27035:2011 or SSAE-18 / ISAE 3402
Incident management approach
We operate pre-defined processes for common events, aligned with ISO 27001 Annex A.16. Incidents are detected via automated alerts from Microsoft Defender and Sentinel, or reported manually through ITSM (ServiceNow/Jira). Incidents are categorised by severity, driving response SLAs (e.g., Critical: immediate, High: within 4 hours). Our SOC provides 24/7 monitoring and escalation support. Investigation includes triage, containment (e.g., device isolation, credential revocation), and forensic evidence collection. Incident reports detail root cause, impact, and corrective actions, shared with stakeholders post-resolution. All incidents are logged, retained for audit, and reviewed to improve detection and response.
Post-quantum cryptography secure
No

Secure development

Approach to secure software development best practice
Independent review of processes (for example CESG CPA Build Standard, ISO/IEC 27034, ISO/IEC 27001 or CSA CCM v4.0)

Public sector networks

Connection to public sector networks
No

Pricing

Discount for educational organisations
Yes
Free trial available
No

Discount percentage by annual call-off contract value (excluding VAT)

Less than £250,000
0%
Between £250,000 and £500,000
5%
Between £500,001 and £1,000,000
7.5%
Between £1,000,001 and £2,500,000
10%
Between £2,500,001 and £5,000,000
15%
Over £5,000,001
20%

Non-mandatory Standards and certifications

ISO/IEC 27001 certification
Yes
Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001
David Derrick, Regional Director UKAM, LRQA Limited
ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date
Friday 10 May 2024
What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
Our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification applies to the protection of information and data assets for our core services: Data Strategy, Data Governance, Data Platform, Data Analytics, and Quality & Operational Excellence, as well as internal support functions (HR, sales and marketing, IT operations, finance). Any activities, assets, or business units outside this scope, or not listed in our Statement of Applicability v2, are not covered. This includes services delivered by third parties, cloud platforms we resell (unless explicitly included in our certification scope), and any locations or functions not specified in the certificate or Statement of Applicability.
ISO 28000:2022 certification
No
ISO 9001 certification
Yes
Who accredited the ISO 9001 certification
Matt Page, Managing Director Assurance - UK&I, BSI Group
ISO 9001 accreditation date
Saturday 30 November 2024
What the ISO 9001 doesn’t cover
Our ISO 9001:2015 certification covers the operation of a Quality Management System for the provision of quality, operational excellence, and data and analytics consultancy services. Any services, activities, or business units outside this scope, including non-consultancy offerings and third-party services not related to quality, operational excellence, or data and analytics consultancy, are not covered by our certification.
Quality management systems (QMS)
Yes
CSA STAR certification
No
PCI certification
No
Cyber essentials
Yes
Please provide your Cyber Essentials Certificate Number
Cf860cc5-6479-415a-8e84-3fbc2e4f202b
Cyber essentials plus
Yes
Please provide your Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate Number
F1871e9d-f7fb-42bf-bbfe-df3855b9268a
Other security certifications
No

Social value

Section B - Commitment for Future: Delivery
  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 1: Fair work: That offers fair wages and good working conditions. Help people get a job, stay in work, and progress in their careers, with good employment opportunities across the country. Notes: Where there is a large proportion of labour costs in the contract, commercial teams should consider MAC in Outcome 1 as a priority

    • New or retained jobs on the contract workforce in the relevant area that meet the criteria set out in MAC 1b, 1c and 1d
    • Providing opportunities for, and measuring and monitoring of, staff workforce conditions over time, including employee engagement, involvement in decision-making and satisfaction and adapting to any changes in the results, with clear processes for acting on issues identified
    • Monitoring of employee engagement rates (by protected characteristic) and, where necessary, the development of actions to ensure all voices are heard across the diversity of the workforce
    • Employment contracts that reflect actual hours worked; steps taken to ensure employees understand their contracts and have the ability to review and adjust them if actual hours regularly exceed contracted hours
    • Activities that support an environment where staff are educated about, and feel empowered to, address their physical wellbeing
    • Activities that support an environment where staff are educated about and feel empowered to report and address bullying and harassment
    • Activities to cascade good practice on fair working conditions throughout the supply chain
    • Offer a pay and leave entitlement to all eligible staff who become kinship carers, ideally equivalent to statutory adoption pay and leave
    • Payment of more than the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage (as appropriate) to the contract workforce
    • Monitoring and reporting of gender and ethnicity pay gaps and plans to address them where necessary
    • Entitlement to sick pay for the contract workforce, with provision in place for any staff who do not meet the earnings threshold for statutory sick pay, payment of sick pay from day one of absence and payment of staff on the contract workforce who are off sick a replacement income of 100% of their usual earnings for as long as possible
    • Understanding of in-work progression issues affecting the market, industry or sector relevant to the contract, and in the supplier’s own organisation and those of its key sub-contractors
    • Measures to support in-work progression to help people in the contract workforce, to move into higher paid work by developing new skills relevant to the contract
    • Support for the contract workforce by providing career advice, and providing opportunities for staff working on the contract with in-work progression career development into known skills shortages or high growth areas
    • Support for educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications
    • Volunteering opportunities for staff
    • Understanding of the modern slavery risks and issues affecting the market, industry, sector or country (of origin or of source) relevant to the contract, and the workforce in the supplier’s own organisation and those of its key subcontractors
    • Measures to identify, mitigate and manage modern slavery risks relating to the contract and how these will be implemented
    • Outline policies and practices to be applied to or put in place for the contract to mitigate and manage modern slavery risks, including: Pre-employment checks, recruitment practices. Workplace conditions, safeguarding plans and processes in place and regular monitoring with relevant groups considered, which may include sampling
    • Means of influencing staff, suppliers, customers, communities and/or any other appropriate stakeholders with respect to modern slavery risks relating to the contract
  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 2: Skills for growth: Supporting growth sectors and addressing skills gaps.

    • Understanding of employment and relevant skills issues, and of the education and training issues relating to the contract. Illustrative examples: demographics, skills shortages, new opportunities in high growth sectors, geographic/local community and skills/employment challenges
    • Support for educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications
    • Activities to support relevant sector related skills growth and sustainability in the contract workforce. Illustrative examples: careers talks, curriculum support, literacy support, safety talks and volunteering
  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 3: Resilient, innovative and flexible supply chains: Support economic growth through enabling resilient businesses, opportunities for small businesses and voluntary, community and social enterprises

    • Understanding of the types of businesses in the market and the level of participation by new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutuals
    • Activities to identify opportunities to open up sub-contracts under the prime contract to a diverse range of businesses, including new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutuals
    • Structuring of the supply chain selection process to ensure fairness (e.g. anti-corruption) and encourages participation by a diverse range of businesses, including with regard to new businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutual
    • Methods for engaging with different parts of the community (including the education system and charities representing the community) and how communities come together to inform decisions, strategy and projects to leave a positive legacy for future generations
    • Measures to involve local stakeholders and/or users in design (e.g. in the design of services, systems, products or buildings)
    • Plans for positive actions with community groups.
    • Measures for making facilities used in the delivery of the contract available for community groups, education or training
    • Measures to engage users and communities and build relationships to increase community integration build trust and influence how the contract is delivered
    • Plans to respond flexibly and adapt approaches to community engagement and initiatives
    • Collaborating with anchor institutions and community groups to make facilities available for education, training or community events
  • Mission: Make Britain a clean energy superpower: To cut bills, create jobs and deliver security with cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating to net zero

    Policy Outcome 4: Sustainable procurement practices: Reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and promoting the use of clean energy and green technologies.

    • Understanding of opportunities for additional environmental benefits delivery in the performance of the contract, including working towards net zero carbon emissions and use of clean energy and green technologies
    • Collaborative ways of working with the supply chain to deliver additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract, including working towards net zero carbon emissions and use of clean energy and green technologies
    • Delivery of additional environmental benefits through the performance of the contract, including working towards net zero carbon emissions and use of clean energy and green technologies
    • Understanding of how to influence staff, suppliers, customers, communities and/or any other appropriate stakeholders through the delivery of the contract to support climate and nature protection and improvement
    • Activities to reconnect people with the environment and increase awareness of ways to protect and enhance it
  • Mission: Break down barriers to opportunity: By reforming our childcare and education systems, to make sure there is no class ceiling on the ambitions of young people in Britain

    Policy Outcome 6: Employment and training: For those who face barriers to employment

    • Understanding of employment and skills issues, and of the skills and employment shortages of high growth sectors relating to the contract
    • Creation of employment opportunities particularly for those who face barriers to employment, such as prison leavers, care leavers and/or who are located in deprived areas, and for people in industries with known skills shortages or in high growth sectors
    • Delivery of training schemes and programmes to address any identified skills gaps and under-representation in the workforce for the contract (e.g. prison leavers, care leavers, kinship carers, disabled people)
    • Advertising, promotional and outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the offer to reach the target cohort
    • Understanding of the issues affecting the representation of disabled people in the workforce in the market, industry or sector relevant to the contract, and in the supplier’s own organisation and those of its key sub-contractors
    • Collection of the views and expertise of disabled people and their representative organisations on successfully supporting disabled employees or applicants
    • Inclusive and accessible recruitment practices, and retention-focused activities, including those provided in the Guide for line managers on recruiting, managing and developing people with a disability or health condition
    • Introducing transparency to pay and reward processes
    • Working conditions which promote an inclusive working environment and promote retention and progression
    • Other measures to provide equality of opportunity for disabled people and those with health conditions into employment, including becoming a Disability Confident employer and inclusion of supported businesses in the contract supply chain
    • Understanding of the issues affecting inequality in employment, skills and pay in the market, industry or sector relevant to the contract, and in the supplier’s own organisation and those of its key sub-contractors. Measures to tackle inequality in employment, skills and pay in the contract workforce
    • Inclusive and accessible development practices, including guidance for line managers on recruiting, managing and developing people with a disability or health condition
  • Mission: Break down barriers to opportunity: By reforming our childcare and education systems, to make sure there is no class ceiling on the ambitions of young people in Britain

    Policy Outcome 7: Creating a pipeline of opportunities: For the contract workforce, reducing barriers to entry for under-represented groups.

    • Understanding of the issues affecting the development of new skills by target cohort
    • Understanding of the underlying factors affecting improvements to reduce barriers to entry and training schemes for the target cohort(s) related to the contract workforce
    • Other measures to offer development opportunities for the target cohort(s) in the contract workforce
    • Advertising, promotional and outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the offer to reach the target cohort
    • Understanding of issues relating to entering the contract workforce
    • Creation of outreach activities to create a pipeline of employees for the future contract delivery
    • Content of the outreach activity is designed to suit the target cohort
    • Advertising, promotional and outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the offer to reach the target cohort
  • Mission: Build an NHS fit for the future: That is there when people need it; with fewer lives lost to the biggest killers; in a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer.

    Policy Outcome 8: Increasing productivity through physical and mental wellbeing: In the supply chain and communities in the relevant area.

    • Understanding of issues relating to health and wellbeing, including physical and mental health, in the contract workforce
    • Understanding barriers to access to health and social care services or employment opportunities e.g. digital inclusion
    • Inclusive and accessible recruitment practices, development practices and retention policies that support-focused activities including those provided in the Guide for line managers on recruiting, managing and developing which support people with a disability or health condition
    • Actions to invest in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the contract workforce

Service documents

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