Research Tender: Unmet Mediation Need in Ireland.
CLM is seeking tender proposals from suitably qualified and experienced researchers to manage
and deliver research into the Unmet Mediation Need in Ireland.
Deadline for submission of tenders: 21st October 2024 @ 5pm
Background information
CLM’s Mediation Service was established in 2004 to address the need in the community for an alternative dispute resolution process to the legal system, which can be expensive, protracted, and difficult to access.
CLM’s Mediation Service aims to deal positively with conflict in the community by empowering community members and groups to resolve conflict at the earliest point possible in a dispute, through the:
- Creation of awareness of mediation as a dispute resolution process.
- Development of skills within the community in conflict resolution; and
- Provision of an accessible, high-quality dispute resolution service to everyone in the community, independent of their means.
CLM also offers Conflict Coaching, a structured, one to one service which aims to help parties develop the necessary skills to effectively engage in the mediation process.
Many of CLM’s Mediation Service clients are from disadvantaged communities, who, if embroiled in conflict and dispute have additional barriers to overcome if they are to participate in and be part of an inclusive society.
Research Aims & Objectives
As social problems become more complex, innovative solutions will be found through collaborative and multi-disciplinary work. There will be greater scope for alternatives to litigation in which a community mediation service could play an important role. In this context and in the context of low public awareness around mediation and the situations it can assist with, CLM has received funding from the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission (IHREC) to produce qualitative and quantitative research on unmet mediation need of communities who because of economic, social or other disadvantage are unable to access legal or mediation services.
The objectives of the Research will include:
A. Explore the meaning of mediation need.
B. Explore current and future mediation need in relation to the communities CLM serves through engagement with affected rights-holders/communities.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Communities experiencing socio economic disadvantage;
- Children and young people;
- Members of the Traveller Community;
- Individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless;
- ‘New Communities’ and those of a migrant background;
- Local and national environmental groups.
C. Map out what services already exist to meet that need and where the gaps in service provision are;
D. Map out changes expected to current service provision by external factors and policies;
E. Examine the mediation landscape in other jurisdictions such as the UK and Northern Ireland;
F. Provide evidence and make recommendations on best practice for meeting unmet mediation need.
Research Methodology
The research will include both qualitative and quantitative methodologies that yield data on the extent of unmet mediation need in relation to the communities CLM serves and recommendations on meeting that need.
This will include interviews, co-designed questionnaires, and focus groups with key stakeholders. Stakeholders are to be identified and agreed but it is envisaged that they will include individuals from target communities, community & voluntary groups, mediators & mediation groups, and relevant state agencies.
It is envisaged that the project will include the establishment of an advisory group involving key stakeholders. This will ensure that the research process is participatory, inclusive, and respectful of diverse perspectives.
Dissemination
It is anticipated that the research and its findings will be launched at an event in September 2025, targeting decision makers, public representatives, media and other key stakeholders involved in the Project. This event will be supported by a programme of communications and stakeholder engagement.
Project Timeline
The Project will commence immediately upon appointment and the final report will be completed by August 2025. Regular progress report meetings will be held over the project period.
Budget & Contract
The research budget is €11,000, inclusive of VAT, together with a small budget for travel & subsistence. Contract for Services to be drawn up and agreed upon appointment.
Key requirements
We will require an outline of the following from the tenderer:
- Relevant research experience and third level qualifications;
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methodologies;
- Track record in undertaking similar work;
- A proposal and plan for the methodological approach to the research which demonstrates an understanding of the objectives of the work and detailing capacity to carry out the work within the agreed timescale;
- An estimate of the number of days work involved and an overall project costing, in euro and including VAT. CLM will not be responsible for any errors on the calculations of costs provided in response to this invitation to tender;
- Details of referees.
Deadline for submission of tender:
The tender should be sent by email to rwall@communitylawandmediation.ie by 21st October at 5pm.
For further information please contact rwall@communitylawandmediation.ie
Further information
Tender scoring and award criteria
Evaluation of tenders will be based on the following award criteria:
| Marks | |
| Details about the tenderer and their previous experience | 40 |
| Proposal and plan for the work | 40 |
| Breakdown of costs | 20 |
The award will be based on the responses to this tender, which in the opinion of CLM’s best demonstrates the respondent’s capacity to deliver the service required.
General tendering information, terms, and conditions
Currency
The currency to be used in this Tender is Euro.
Costs
CLM will not be liable in respect of any costs incurred by any tenderer in the preparation of tenders in response to this invitation to tender or any associated cost.
Tax clearance
The successful tenderer must be in possession of a valid tax clearance certificate for duration of the contract. Such a valid tax-free certificate from the Irish Revenue Commissioners must be produced by a successful tenderer before execution of the contract. A valid tax-free certificate means a tax clearance certificate issued by the Irish Revenue Commissioners, and tenderers not resident in Ireland must make application to the Irish Revenue Commissioners for such a certificate if their tender is to be considered.
Company registration
The successful tenderer, if a company, registered and/or carrying on business in Ireland, must be in compliance with all obligations and requirements under the companies Acts 1963 to 2012, including the filing of up-to-date annual returns and a certificate to this effect must be provided by an officer of the tenderer with the tender documentation.
False or misleading information
Tenderers who intentionally or carelessly supply false or misleading information will be disqualified from this tendering procedure on the discovery of such information.
Requirements of invitation to tender
Tenders not conforming to the requirements of this invitation to tender will not be considered and will be returned to the tenderer.
Subject to contract
This invitation to tender is not intended to, and does not, create or evidence any legal or binding relationship, obligation or commitment of any nature between CLM and any tenderer. No such legally binding obligation or commitment shall come into being unless and until a formal legal contract is duly executed and delivered by CLM and the successful tenderer.
Disclaimer
This document is for information only and does not constitute, and shall not be interpreted as, an offer for sale, prospectus, or the basis of a contract. Candidates are recommended to read the document thoroughly. CLM reserves the right to discontinue the procurement process at any time. No liability will be accepted for candidates’ costs in connection with the procurement procedure, irrespective of the outcome, whether or not the procedure is cancelled or postponed.