Future Treescapes Public Dialogue
Please note, this opportunity is now closed.
The Future Treescapes Public Dialogue is an opportunity to engage individuals, communities, and groups in shaping the future of UK treescapes. Amid growing conversations about tree planting targets, this dialogue aims to amplify diverse voices and foster a more inclusive approach to managing and expanding the nation’s trees, woods and forests.
As the UK Government prioritizes woodland expansion, Defra, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) recognize the importance of involving the public and stakeholders directly in decision-making. The Future Treescapes Public Dialogue seeks to initiate a nationwide conversation on the environmental and societal impacts of woodland expansion and future tree management, drawing insights from ongoing UK Treescapes research projects.
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FAQ
Below are brief answers to a selection of FAQs. A full summary of the objectives, purpose, requirements, deliverables and how to apply can be found in the Public Dialogue Invitation to Tender.
What types of contractors or organisations are eligible to apply for this tender?
We welcome tenders from a diverse range of organisations, including but not limited to research institutions, consultancy firms, consortiums, or individuals with expertise in conducting public dialogues, community engagement and policy-related research. The selected contractor should demonstrate capabilities in managing inclusive dialogues and engaging underrepresented communities effectively.
What is the selection process for the Public Dialogue Invitation to Tender?
The selection process involves a thorough evaluation of submitted tenders. Once the submission deadline passes, all received tenders will undergo a comprehensive review. The evaluation considers various factors, including the proposed methodology, approach to public engagement, experience relevant to the project, and the value for money offered. Following this initial assessment, shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further clarification before the final selection is made by the evaluating panel.
Do the research outputs from the Future of UK Treescapes programme need to be integrated into the dialogue?
Yes, the tender requires the contractor to outline how they plan to incorporate the research outputs into the dialogue. They might involve researchers as ‘witnesses’ in discussions or engage them in other ways to facilitate conversations with the public.
How can the allocated funding for the Public Dialogue Invitation to Tender be utilised?
The budget for this project is capped at £150,000 (inclusive of VAT). The funds are intended to cover all expenses related to conducting the public dialogue, including but not limited to research methodologies, recruitment, engagement strategies, workshop facilitation, report production and dissemination of findings. The selected contractor is expected to propose a detailed breakdown of costs and milestones in their tender, ensuring transparency in how the funds will be allocated across the project’s various stages. It’s imperative that the proposed budget aligns with the outlined deliverables and is reasonable, justifiable and cost-effective in delivering the objectives of the Public Dialogue. All expenses must adhere to ethical standards and relevant legal and financial regulations.
Who will oversee the implementation of the Public Dialogue?
The Future of UK Treescapes Ambassador team will oversee the design and implementation. They will chair the Advisory Board consisting of the contractor team, policymakers, the Ambassadors and UKRI representatives.
How will the selected contractor be paid?
Payments will be released based on agreed milestones, provided these have been met. The budget will be managed according to the milestones set out in the contract and agreed upon with the winning bidder.
What are the expected outcomes from the Public Dialogue?
The dialogue aims to produce a Final Report with key messages and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. Additionally, it will create a strategy for dissemination across various channels, including social and digital media.
How will the findings be disseminated?
The contractor must include a detailed communication/dissemination plan in their tender, outlining how the results will be distributed to a wide range of stakeholders, policymakers and the public.
How will the intellectual property of reports be managed?
Reports and summaries produced will be licensed under Creative Commons, ensuring open access and wider distribution for public benefit and knowledge sharing.
How will the dialogue engage with the public and stakeholders?
The contractor is expected to propose various engagement methods to engage a broad cross-section of the public, including those who haven’t traditionally participated in discussions about treescape expansion, which could include deliberative workshops, citizens’ juries, and other innovative approaches tailored for different scales. The aim is to facilitate an inclusive and diverse conversation.
Where should the proposal be sent?
The proposal should be sent as a single document to treescapes@glos.ac.uk no later than 5pm on 19th January 2024.
