UKRI Policy Fellowships Training and Mentoring Programme

Descriptions

The final date and time for the submission of bids is Wednesday 14th January 2026 at 11:00hrs

DO NOT apply directly to the buyer.

All tender information MUST be submitted through the Jaggaer eSourcing Portal.

Overview of Training and Mentoring Programme

We are inviting bidders to set out an approach to deliver a Training and Mentoring programme for three cohorts of UKRI Policy Fellows. The programme will begin in February 2026 for the 2025 cohort of fellows.

Aims and Objectives of Training and Mentoring Programme

The core aims and objectives of the training and mentoring are to:

• Prepare Fellows for the cultural transition into government

• Advance fellows in their careers

• Foster networks and cross-working

• Tailor support to different disciplines and career stages

• Create a lasting alumni legacy

To meet the aims as set out above, bidders should address the following objectives:

• Offer a series of themed and focused learning sessions spanning each individual cohort. Bidders should ensure the time commitment is manageable for fellows and provide dates and times in advance.

• The sessions should be inclusive, with at least two face-to-face meetings over the cohort. Any face-to-face sessions will be based in the UK, and the successful supplier should determine location once cohort members have been recruited, taking an inclusive approach to location and venue.

• Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, peer support and opportunities to strengthen relationship building.

• Actively design opportunities for fellows to build networks, identify synergies across fellowships, and support collaboration both among fellows and between host departments

• Ensure longevity of benefit to participants beyond the duration of the programme itself.

• Work closely with ESRC, providing regular (minimum monthly to start with) progress reviews via email, phone, or video conferencing in advance of and after each event/deliverable.

This requirement is split into 2 Lots and 1 supplier be awarded for each:

Lot 1 - Training

The focus areas of this training programme are likely to include the following topics, but will not be limited to:

• Policy making in the UK, actors, structure, cycles, streams

• Networking and building relationships in policy

• Communication training for policy, including writing and briefing

• Supporting evidence use in government

• Knowledge Exchange (KE) and science for policy in UK and international

• Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) in KE

• Wellbeing and mental health considerations during a fellowship

• Developing effective impact case studies and using impact to support career progression

• Data; Access, Use, Ethics and AI

Lot 2 - Mentoring

In addition to complimenting the areas of focus covered by the training programme, the mentoring programme could focus on (but not be limited to) the following activities:

• Identifying and building on fellows' unique strengths and experiences

• Creating and implementing individual development plans

• Identifying potential career pathways

• Agreeing individual outcomes and personal milestones

• Supporting fellows to grow relevant contacts and networks

• Develop specific plans for communicating their research effectively to policy audiences

Single bidders are welcome to submit proposals to deliver both lots (Training and Mentoring), or to submit proposals for just Lot 1 (Training) or Lot 2 (Mentoring).

Please ensure you review all attached information to ensure a full understanding of this requirement. All attachments can be found with the Supplier Attachments tab within the Jaggaer eSourcing Portal.

The contract(s) will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria as set out in the RFP document.

How to Apply

UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UKSBS) will be using the Jaggaer eSourcing Portal for this procurement.

To register on the Jaggaer eSourcing portal please use the link https://beisgroup.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/ and follow the instructions to register as a supplier.

If you are already registered on the Jaggaer eSourcing Portal and wish to participate in this procurement, please use the link: https://beisgroup.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/.

Once you are logged into the system you will be able to locate the Procurement you wish to leave a bid on by clicking the ITTs Open to All Suppliers and searching for the reference number CSP250477 and Jaggaer ITT reference number ITT_2407.