Research on Experts in Family Law Cases
Contract value:£80,000 – £90,000. Peer reviewers will explore the use of expert evidence in 30 to 40 family law cases. We expect that the reviewers will include professionals such as the judiciary, solicitors and experts.
Reference number: 3307-2-Professional Services-N-RFP
Deadline date:26/07/2013
This deadline is for… Receipt of tender submissions on the Ministry of Justice eSourcing Portal (Emptoris)
Contract value:£80,000 – £90,000
Location where the contract is to be carried out: United Kingdom Ministry of Justice Analytical Services Directorate 102 Petty France London SW1H 9AJ
Is this suitable for smaller suppliers? Yes
Is this contract suitable for a voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations? No
Name of the buying organisation: Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Procurement – CMT N
Description of the contract
Changes to the Family Procedure Rules came into force in January 2013 and, subject to the outcome of consultation, new Standards for experts are due to be introduced later in 2013. These developments are expected to prompt new practices for the commissioning of expert reports and positively impact on their quality, timeliness and value. Justice Ryder’s proposals for the modernisation of family justice have also indicated that expectation documents will be published which will describe agreements reached with agencies working in family justice to detail what the court can expect from existing or new processes. This research study will assist in understanding how the upcoming reforms are being implemented, identify barriers to the effective implementation of the new Rules and Standards, help identify best practices and what further measures could be taken to encourage their implementation. It is anticipated that the research will consist of two phases: Phase 1 will consist of a combination of qualitative interviews and/or focus groups with practitioners to better understand the types of cases and circumstances that result in the commissioning of expert reports and the types of expertise mostly sought, how expertise sought relates to the expert commissioned, and explore views on the processes for commissioning expert reports and how these affect the progression of cases. Phase 1 will help us refine the focus of phase 2 by assisting in setting the parameters for choosing the cases for in depth review and providing a clear framework for developing research questions and methodology for the next phase of the study. Phase 2 will consist of in-depth peer reviews of court files with a focus on the requirements of the new Standards, Family Procedure Rules, Practice Direction 25A and Expectation Documents. Key aspects will be matched against expectations, including letters of instruction, expert reports, transcripts of experts’ meetings, court evidence and feedback given to experts. Peer reviewers will explore the use of expert evidence in 30 to 40 family law cases. We expect that the reviewers will include professionals such as the judiciary, solicitors and experts. Peer-review (or audit) is widely used in clinical settings to set and monitor standards and improve service quality.
Documents
Classification of the contract
73110000 Research services
Additional information
Contract type: Services – Unspecified
Is it a framework agreement? No
Is this contract related to a programme of funding? No
Contract will be awarded based on: Most economically advantageous tender in terms of: The criteria stated in the contract documents
Estimated length of contract: 28/08/2013 – 28/10/2014
Who to contact
Contact name GEMMA CROSSLEY
Organisation name Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Procurement – CMT N
Address Units 8 & 9, Fryersway , Ossett , Wakefield , West Yorkshire , WF5 9TJ
Telephone 01924 205700
Extension number:
Fax
Web address www.justice.gov