Overview
Invitation to Tender – Programme of Support for Place-Based Partnerships for Cultural Education – Purfleet
Background
Royal Ballet and Opera`s (RBO) mission is to enrich the cultural life of the nation. Through an extensive learning programme, based at our Covent Garden and Thurrock homes and across England, we aim to inspire creativity and give people of all ages the chance to discover, question and respond to the power of our artforms.
Our partnership programmes in the East build on our legacy as a `Bridge` organisation and we continue to support the infrastructure for cultural education in the region, building on our extensive experience of place-based and needs-led working. Following the Partnerships for Cultural Education networking series held in 2024 and a recent needs analysis of Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEPs), we are working in partnership with Arts Council England (ACE) to move into the next phase of this work supporting the sustainability and development of Partnerships for Cultural Education and/or LCEPs.
Brief
RBO East is seeking a consultant(s) or organisation(s) to provide a comprehensive, bespoke package of support to 10 – 12 designated Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEPs) or similar partnerships in the South East. Following a period of research, RBO in collaboration with ACE, Artswork and Norfolk and Norwich Festival we have identified 12 Local Cultural Education Partnerships that will receive a tailored support programme, delivered by specialist consultants. Activities, led by need, could encompass workshops, coaching, fundraising advice, and peer-supported collaboration to build partnerships` capacity and sustainability. This 12-month programme, commencing September 2025, will be defined by need during the life of the project, by the programme partners and delivery organisation but may include a menu of the following support. We would like proposals to consider a coaching approach to facilitating the LCEPs to form as a network and be a source of peer-to-peer support.
- Fundraising advice and fundraising planning support. This is a critical measure for the programme so we would expect this to be a significant aspect of the programme
- Facilitated collaboration & skills-sharing with like-minded place-based CE partnerships(potentially with speakers talking to the network on identified topics)
- Themed workshops – such as `conducting a needs analysis`, `writing a theory of change`, `building a fundraising plan`, `project planning` based on the needs of the group.
- Building connections with wider networks and external bodies to share quality practice and support collaboration with other place-based networks/partnerships
Measure
- 10-12 cultural education partnerships develop tailored strategies or fundraising plans (individually or collaboratively) to improve their ability to achieve their stated ambitions. Ideally, we would like to be able to evidence applications submitted to funders by the end of this programme.
- Increased confidence and capacity among participants to address strategic and funding challenges, as evidenced by post-programme feedback.
How to apply
Please submit an expression of interest, no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing your approach, areas of expertise, and what you/your organisation can offer to successfully meet the brief. Please include a budget and timeline. For freelance individuals, a CV must also be submitted. There is up to £12,000 allocated for this full brief (including any external speaker fees).
Applicants who are invited to interview will have demonstrated:
- A proven track record in both facilitation and fundraising
- Previous experience of supporting cultural, education, youth and/or community sectors
- An understanding of the nature and value of LCEPs
- Ability to devise a bespoke package that responds to needs
- An approach that considers place-based challenges
- Value for money and a detailed budget break down that demonstrates an understanding of the brief (number of days/proposed activity).
There is an expectation that the successful individual/organisation will contribute to the evaluation of the wider programme and attend regular project meetings.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 19 May, 9:00am. For an informal discussion about the brief and to submit your application, please contact karen.robinson@roh.org.uk
Please note interviews will take place on Monday 02 June 2025.
