Terms of reference for a consultancy on British Council activity in Social Enterprise in Secondary Schools in Jamaica

Transcription

1 British Council 28 Trafalgar Road Kingston 10 Jamaica T ext 3804 F morland.wilson@britishcouncil.org Terms of reference for a consultancy on British Council activity in Social Enterprise in Secondary Schools in Jamaica Background The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We call this work cultural relations. We are on the ground in six continents and over 100 countries bringing international opportunity to life, every day. Each year we work with millions of people, connecting them with the United Kingdom, sharing our cultures and the UK s most attractive assets: English, the Arts, Education and our ways of living and organising society. The British Council was established in 1934 and incorporated by Royal Charter in It is registered as a charity in England and Wales (charity no ) and Scotland (charity no. SCO37733). It is also an executive non-departmental public body, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as its sponsoring department. Its primary charitable objects are set out in the Charter and are stated to be:- Promote cultural relationships and the understanding of different cultures between people and peoples of the United Kingdom and other countries; Promote a wider knowledge of the United Kingdom; Develop a wider knowledge of the English language; encourage cultural, scientific, technological and other educational co-operation between the United Kingdom and other countries; Otherwise promote the advancement of education. In , its programmes reached a total audience of 600 million people worldwide and we engaged directly with 10.9 million. In 2013 to 2014, the British Council had a total turnover of 864million. Its income included a grant-aid of 165 million from the UK government, 573 million from fees and income from services such as English teaching, exams administration and 117 million from the management of client-funded contracts, and funding from a wide range of public and private sector partners. The British Council works in more than 110 countries around the world and employs over 7000 staff worldwide. It has its headquarters in the UK, with offices in London, Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

2 Introduction and Background Social enterprises address social and environmental problems through innovative solutions that improve people s lives in our communities and societies. The British Council s Global Social Enterprise programme draws on the UK experience in social enterprise to promote its growth around the world. We build capacity in the sector, forge international networks, and support policy leaders to create ecosystems in which social enterprise and social investment can thrive. Our work supports positive social change inclusive growth and sustainable development while building trust and creating opportunities between the UK and other countries. Currently running in 24 countries and on four continents, the programme: provides aspiring and existing social enterprises with skills training, consultancy, mentoring and access to funding; disseminates best UK and global practice to support policy leaders to create enabling ecosystems for social enterprise and investment; supports education institutions to embed social enterprise, exchange best practice, and deliver joint research on social enterprise; facilitates the use of social enterprise approaches in international development programmes; commissions research and organises high profile events that foster social enterprise and social investment, and; builds international networks linking social entrepreneurs, intermediary organisations and social investors. Project Background The GoJ currently spends on average $26 billion on secondary schooling annually. 80% of this amount is spent on recurrent expenditures as opposed to learning resources. This has contributed to poor student performance and quality outcomes, resulting in higher levels of youth unemployment and violence within schools. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) reported in 2013 that unemployment among youth, aged years, rose to 38.5% in April 2013 from 34.1% in April The 2012 report from the Ministry of National Security s (MNS) Safe Schools Programme showed that there were 915 fights, 160 robberies, 3 murders, 1288 weapons seized, 164 occasions of illegal substances and 201 students arrested. The MNS reported that these incidences stemmed from overcrowding in schools, lack of community involvement, single parents, forced student labour, lack of school financial and meal resources to assist students. The British Council, RIO (Real Ideas Organisation) and SEA (Social Enterprise Academy) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to ensure children, young people and schools globally get the opportunity to engage with social enterprise This partnership saw the development of a universally available digital resource pack for schools with information and activities for teachers to use with pupils. The programme includes engagement, policy dialogues and training, plus a menu of additional tools if they want more extensive support, training and accreditation. RIO s SEQ the world s first social enterprise qualification will also be part of the offer having grown significantly since its launch in By focusing on social enterprise in schools the research seeks to build out an innovative mechanism for reducing the national youth employment rate, while creating safer schools and communities. Furthermore, data from the research would provide the framework for the

3 development of a national social enterprise policy, which would allow the government to invest in making schools more sustainable. As such, this research adds value to the British Council s Going Global (GG) 2016 theme of building nations and connecting cultures as it seeks to combine the school and wider community, reduce youth unemployment and increase the global competitiveness of the Jamaican people. The result of the research will be used to inform discussions being currently undertaken by British Council and its partners to develop social enterprise programs, projects and activities in Jamaica The research would be particularly valuable to 1. international development organization such as World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and European Union, 2. Government of Jamaica, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Security whose steadfast interest surrounds, economic growth, strong, innovative, and vibrant work force, and reduction in crime committed by youths 3. TVOC/TECH, Skills Development and those working in Social Enterprise to deepen our understanding around the adaptability, applicability and relevance of social enterprise in new areas Project overview The proposed research focuses on the impact of social enterprise on the Jamaican Secondary School system, primarily addressing the question of How does school-based social enterprise programmes influence the overall success of students while ensuring the financial and social sustainability of schools? In addressing this larger question the research will simultaneous seek answers to several minor questions reflecting the impact of school-based social enterprise on the transfer of learning process, students behaviour and school-community interaction. Minor questions: Transfer of Learning Does school-based social enterprise programmes affect students' overall entrepreneurial success? Is there a significant difference in the mean GPA of students involved in social enterprise programmes than those who are not involved such programmes? Is there a significant difference in the mean GPA of the male and female students who participate in the school-based social enterprise programmes? Behaviour Is there a significant difference in the average number of disciplinary infractions obtained by students involved in school-based social enterprise programmes than those who are not involved in such programmes? Is there a significant difference in the average number of disciplinary infractions obtained by male and female students who participate in school-based social enterprise programmes? School Sustainability Does school-based social enterprise increases the financial resources available to school administrations? What social enterprises fit local schools best?

4 Community Interaction Does school-based social enterprise programmes facilitate the level of interaction between the school and wider community needed for students pyscho-social and educational development? Scope of Work 1. Desk Research - Conduct a literature review and consultations with practitioners and agencies in the private and 3rd sectors and the ministry of education 2. Mix method identify and select 24 schools across Jamaica with and without social enterprise programmes or activities in furtherance of a case study which will provide a comparative analysis of the groups paying attention to teaching and learning techniques and outcomes, school-community interaction, and behaviour of students. This would consist of a mixture of rural and urban, volatile communities and other communities, and co-education and single sex, 3. Good Practice Framework develop framework and guide for the effective delivery of in the classroom setting and through school-based social enterprise programmes The assignment is to provide a situational analysis in the form of: Section 1: brief descriptions of: The constitution and the Regulation guiding Jamaica s education system The Jamaican Ministry of Education and Education Officers The accountability of Jamaican parents and guardians The role of community groups and youth clubs Skills development and Youth empowerment initiatives The Jamaican police (especially their community policing approach) Section 2: descriptions and analyses of: Key areas of challenges affecting Jamaican education system and the economy The Jamaican government s position on key issues affecting youth development, social enterprise and economic transformation Key programmes, activities and initiative in schools, including extra curriculum activities and programmes which might affect economic sustainability Explore factors which determine students career choice to understand reasons behind their decision International organisations and donor support, including DFID/UK The strengths and weaknesses of the third sector with a list of the most effective CSOs

5 Recommendations Develop viable recommendations for implementation of Social Enterprise in schools at the secondary level to be presented to Government of Jamaica and its Ministries, Donor Agencies, and Civil Society Organization working in communities and with youths British Council as a convener, consultant, source of expertise, delivery partner, etc. In furtherance, identification of key partners/influencers British Council should develop relationships with to be effective in this area Other considerations such as geographical focus and activities to build track record fast. Intellectual Property The British Council will retain full ownership of any intellectual property created as part of this contract, including any amendments, revisions or edits. Supplier Profile Essential: Deep understanding of social enterprise. Experience of developing social enterprise as a concept in new markets. Strong focuses on research (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods and monitoring) and capacity building A proven experience in youth advocacy and awareness Project Leader must possess a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy or related discipline Project team must consist of a Gender expert, methodologist, monitoring and evaluation expert Strong ability and expertise in designing and delivering programmes with youth at the secondary level Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience of developing social enterprises focused on providing skills to young people and linking youth/unemployed people to the labour market. Ability to undertake the assignment, including travel across Jamaica, during the periods specified. Strong child protection policy Strong policy on inclusion and diversity Highly Desirable: The ability to communicate in Jamaican Nine or more years full-time experience of working on research projects Understanding of the British Council s objectives Academic publication in particular around Social Enterprise Certification in Project Management, SPSS and NVIVO Experience conducting similar research projects Format of Tender

6 Interested parties should submit: 1) A concise and focused proposal that sets out: a. An understanding of the brief and an explanation of the approach taken; b. A detailed schedule for the research including number of days needed to complete the project; c. Total Fee. 2) Up to date CV of the personnel that will be delivering the service illustrating relevant knowledge, skills and experience Budget The indicative budget must include programme and content design and delivery in Jamaica and the use of cost effective digital communication tools as the main form of communication. Meanwhile, the British Council will be in charge of the launch and presentation of the findings. Instructions for submitting your tender Please submit a copy of your tender, with Tender for Social Enterprise Research in the subject line, to morland.wilson@britishcouncil.org by no later than (GMT -5) on 18 November Timetable Below is a proposed timetable for the tender process, which may be subject to change: Activity Date Invitation to tender 3 November 2015 Clarification questions submitted and responded to 14 November 2015 Submission 17 November 2015 Evaluation of responses, and shortlisting 21 November 2015 Interviews 24 November 2015 Final Decision 28 November 2015 Clarification Questions Any clarification questions should be submitted via to morland.wilson@britishcouncil.org by no later than (GMT -5) on 14 November 2015 Evaluation Criteria Supplier responses will be assessed using the following criteria and weightings: Criteria Weighting Knowledge and experience 40% Approach 50% Value for money 10% Evaluation of all submitted responses will be undertaken by the evaluation panel which will consist of British Council representatives with relevant and significant experience and knowledge of the requirements. Evaluation of all submissions will only consider information presented within the response. Previous or current relationships with suppliers cannot be taken into account when evaluating submissions unless the previous or current experience is clearly evidenced within the response. Evaluation will be fair and transparent.