Short Research Contracts on Better Regulation

Our customer is seeking to commission a maximum of four projects (with a maximum value of £15,000 each) from the list of themes provided above. Projects that involve collaboration with other recognised experts in the field are particularly encouraged. In order to enhance the evidence base and help shape future policy development, the BRE and the RPC Secretariat are seeking to commission a maximum of four short academic projects on a range of topics. More information on these topics is set out below along with a summary of any existing literature and data we are aware of. We do not wish to be overly prescriptive of any research undertaken within these themes. Instead we are inviting proposals for interesting policy relevant projects relating to one or more of the themes. Bidders may wish to develop proposals based on some of the specific ideas presented, or suggest alternative projects relevant to the themes. Additionally, it is permissible for proposals to span multiple themes; they are not mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, our definition of `regulation’ does not include tax regulations. Regulations concerning tax do not fall into the remit of BRC and RPC; they are dealt with independently by the HMRC. Any bids that broach the topic of tax regulations will not be considered. We expect the projects to draw on a mixture of academic theory, empirical evidence (including evaluation and case studies) and comparisons with international or historical experiences. We expect this range of evidence to be used to assess the issue (as identified in the themes below or proposed by the bidder) within the broader policy context. Proposals should set out how bidders intend to do this. We also encourage strongly proposals that involve a significant amount of collaboration between relevant experts in the field. About UK Shared Business Services – Putting the business into shared services UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) brings a commercial attitude to the public sector; helping our customers improve efficiency, generate savings and modernise. It is our vision to become the leading provider for our customers of shared business services in the UK public sector, continuously reducing cost and improving quality of business services for Government and the public sector. Our broad range of expert services is shared by our customers. This allows our customers the freedom to focus resources on core activities; innovating and transforming their own organisations. Core services include Procurement, Finance, Grants Admissions, Human Resources, Payroll, ISS, and Property Asset Management all underpinned by our Service Delivery and Contact Centre teams. UK SBS is a people rather than task focused business. It’s what makes us different to the traditional transactional shared services centre. What is more, being a not-for-profit organisation owned by its customers, UK SBS’ goals are aligned with the public sector and delivering best value for the UK taxpayer. UK Shared Business Services Ltd changed its name from RCUK Shared Services Centre Ltd in March 2013. Our Customers Growing from a foundation of supporting the Research Councils, 2012/13 saw Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) transition their procurement to UK SBS and Crown Commercial Service (CSS – previously Government Procurement Service) agree a Memorandum of Understanding with UK SBS to deliver two major procurement categories (construction and research) across Government. UK SBS currently manages £700m expenditure for its Customers, our growth projections anticipate this will rise to £1bn in 2013/14. Important information From the 2nd April 2014 the Government is introducing its new Government Security Classifications (GSC) classification scheme to replace the current Government Protective Marking Scheme (GPMS). A key aspect of this is the reduction in the number of security classifications used. All potential suppliers should make themselves aware of the changes as it may impact on this Requirement. The link below to the Gov.uk website provides information on the new GSC: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-security-classifications