Community Platform

Community Platform: Invitation to Tender

Reviewing and analysing the structures, role and operation of the Community Platform

Founded in 1996, the Community Platform is an alliance of national networks and organisations in the community and voluntary sector working to address poverty, social exclusion and inequality. The Community Platform was set up to be a collective critical voice for equality, rights and anti-poverty interests at a national level.

The main activities of the Platform are:

  • Mutual solidarity, sharing information training and discussion.
  • Developing joint policies, positions and publications.
  • Promoting policies through participation in national structures (such as the Community and Voluntary Pillar), liaising with Government Ministers and Departments and through public statements.

Membership

The Platform is currently made up of 31 national organisations (below)

Membership is open to national organisations whose main focus is on representing the interests of those living in poverty, social exclusion and inequality. Priority is given to organisations working from the values of principles of dignity, economic equality, participation, social justice, solidarity and sustainability.

Secretariat

The secretariat of the Community Platform is currently Community Work Ireland (CWI), which is responsible for carrying out its administrative functions.

The Community Platform is one of the 17 members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar and receives a small grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Tender

The Community Platform is seeking a suitably qualified consultant(s) to:

  • Undertake a review of the Community Platform’s structure, role and remit.
  • Analyse the context in which the Community Platform is operating and the challenges and opportunities presented by that context.
  • Assess members’ perspectives on the role of the Community Platform in relation to collaborative governance and its engagement in current structures and processes.
  • Review the membership including gaps and where membership could be expanded.
  • Set out possible funding strategies.
  • Produce a written final report with recommendations.
  • Present the final report to the Community Platform Members.

The budget for the project inclusive of VAT and expenses is €7,000.00

Consultant(s) Specifications

The successful candidate will have:

  • Proven evidence of experience as a researcher in the community sector.
  • Knowledge of the historical and current context in which the Community Platform is operating
  • Excellent presentation, communication, facilitation and writing skills.

Timeline

Commencing October 2026, final outputs by end January 2027 and interim targets to be agreed with the Community Platform.

Tendering Process

Interested parties are invited to submit:

  • A detailed outline of the proposed approach
  • Brief details of experience, previous similar work undertaken and reference, including a CV of the individual/s making the proposal
  • Costing and indicative timescale.

Deadline

Tenders to be submitted by e-mail to communityplatform@cwi.ie, subject line Tender Community Platform Review by 21st September. Queries by email should be directed to communityplatform@cwi.ie

Assessment Process

Tenders received will be assessed on the basis of the following award criteria:

Award Criteria / Marks Available

  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the brief / 25
  • Approach/methodology / 25
  • Experience in community development and a track record in similar work / 25
  • Availability to carry out the project within the stated timeframe / 10
  • Value for Money / 15

All materials developed will remain the property of the Community Platform.

More information about the Community Platform can be found here:

Phone: +353(0)86 822 6210

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