Refreshing the Merlin Standard Consultation

About the Merlin Standard An accreditation programme owned by DWP to recognise and promote sustainable excellence within supply chains; and to ensure fair treatment of partners and subcontractors by prime contractors. Designed by DWP in partnership with employment support market representatives; introduced in 2012. Introduced following a change in the way DWP buys employment support programmes.

Refreshing the Merlin Standard Current contract to deliver accreditation services ends Dec 2017; expect to re-procure to ensure an on-going service. Feedback on the Standard (including an independent review) highlights improved practices and behaviour in supply chain management since its implementation, although some further improvements could be made. Based on this positive feedback and progress to date, we agreed with the Merlin Advisory Board to refresh rather than re-build the Standard ahead of a new contract commencing.

Refreshing the Merlin Standard Scope – Merlin is predominantly used in Employment and Health space in DWP, but it could be a useful tool for other areas operating supply chains. DWP has been assessing appetite for wider application in Other Government Departments. Vision – how Merlin can be used to support agendas such as SME spend and greater local devolution. Range – ensuring the content of the Standard remains fit for purpose, looking at assessment criteria and methodology, refining the Standard. Delivery – the best method for delivering accreditations.

Content of the Standard In redrafting the Merlin Standard, we have aimed to: Re-organise the criteria to better reflect how supply chains are set up and operate. Simplify the language used to make the Standard more understandable and succinct. Included new criteria to reflect the full life cycle of supply chains and legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act.

Consultation on the Standard Consultation to be carried out with a variety of stakeholders to obtain feedback on the content of the refreshed Standard Merlin Advisory Board DWP colleagues Other Government Departments and Commissioners Employment Support market and other accredited organisations Accreditation bodies Invitation to review the draft Standard and respond on a pro-forma. Feedback will inform further discussion at future stakeholder meetings.

Consultation on the Standard The Draft of the Refreshed Merlin Standard: Consultation document (to be completed and returned by 5th April):

Contact For further information and queries, please contact: Seonaid O’Gorman seonaid.o’gorman@dwp.gsi.gov.uk 0207 449 7711 Andrew Friedman andrew.friedman@dwp.gsi.gov.uk 0207 340 4614