Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation Services (SEAFS) Framework

Description

Defra on behalf of the Environment Agency (EA) are looking to set up a follow on Stakeholder
Engagement and Facilitation Services (SEAFS) Framework starting 1 Oct 2025. Effective
stakeholder engagement is critical for our organisations to deliver its goals. This Framework will
secure between 3-5 suppliers who can provide SEAFS deliverables that: enhances our ability to
work with others builds trust with the communities we serve and enhances our reputation facilitates
learning and enables our staff to engage better by developing their own skills The current contract
expires on 30 September 2025. The intention is to award the new contract before the end of July
2025, with a start date for services commencing on the 1 Oct 2025.. This framework agreement is
being let by the Environment Agency's National Engagement and Insight Team. Although they will
use the contract and review and audit work completed under it, they will not be the primary users.
The primary users of this contract will be Environment Agency staff involved in stakeholder
engagement at a local and national level. These 'Project Clients' will be from different parts of the
organisation and will use this contract to work with stakeholders on a range of issues. Our staff
have varied levels of expertise and experience in stakeholder engagement. The successful
suppliers will have demonstrated through this tender process that they are national Suppliers who
are experts in engagement, facilitation, evaluation and skills development and who can: provide
proactive support for a planned project / programme of work provide reactive support for issues of
high concern or conflict build the organisation's engagement skills and capacity And through their
work, can help us: collaborate and strengthen relationships so we can deliver against our priorities
identify and mitigate potential risks through helping us to engage inclusively enhance our reputation
by delivering participative and well-thought-out engagement The appointed Suppliers for this
Stakeholder Engagement Advice and Facilitation Services (SEAFS) Framework will support our
engagement work with external stakeholders over the next 2 to 4 years. These framework
Suppliers will help Environment Agency staff plan, facilitate and evaluate effective stakeholder
engagement processes to support the delivery of our corporate strategy, and lay the foundations
for creating an 'engagement capable' workforce. Full information can be accessed via the
department's eSourcing tool. Download the Bidder Pack at
https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for SEAFs under opportunities.