The government intends to outsource all civil service training, including both professional training and core skills, according to a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire published by the Cabinet Office on its Contracts Finder website last week.

The contract will be split into two main components. The first covers face-to-face delivery of: the induction course Civil Service Way; core skills, incorporating mandatory learning and specialist development; leadership training; management training; Fast Stream training; and specialist training for the civil service professions.

The second component is to provide other support services such as executive coaching, eLearning, accreditation services, apprenticeships and workplace learning resources.

When the plans were announced in May, some core training – such as the Civil Service Way – was to be provided in-house. However, the PQQ suggests that it will be delivered through the main contractor. Rod Clark, chief executive of the National School of Government (NSG) – which is to be abolished – told CSW that although the central training procurement agency Civil Service Learning retains “some in-house capacity”, the delivery of the Civil Service Way is currently supported by the NSG. When the NSG closes next year, he said, “they’re going to need some alternative support.”

The value of the contract is up to £250m and lasts for two years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions. It will be awarded to one provider or a consortium with a lead supplier acting as a prime contractor.

CSW publisher Dods owns the training provider Westminster Explained.

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Written by CSW