1. Introduction
The Gambling Awareness Trust (GAT) is an independent charity established in 2019, managed by a voluntary board of directors to fund research, education and awareness, treatment and rehabilitation and supports to minimise gambling harm in Ireland. Our vision is that fewer people in Ireland experience gambling-related harms and that those who do can easily access relevant professional treatment and support services.
See more: https://gamblingcare.ie/about-us/
2. Background
GAT is the only charity in Ireland with a sole focus on responding to the needs of those experiencing gambling harms and gambling addiction. Until recently there has not been any state funding available to address the issue of problem gambling in Irish society. We are currently funded by donations to a Social Responsibility Fund via the Irish Bookmakers Association from their members and other online betting and casino operators. This polluter-pays model of funding is less than ideal for responding to a public health issue; however, it has been the only funding source available to meet the needs of those currently seeking support. We fully support the proposed levy on the entire gambling industry, as outlined in the Gambling Control Bill. This levy will provide significant additional funds to support the treatment and resources needed in Ireland to address a growing need going forward.
The Gambling Awareness Trust operates completely independently of industry donors, who have no influence or involvement in our work, or the work of the service providers we fund. Since 2019 Gat has received over €2.5M in funding, €2M of which has been allocated to services we carefully select, vet, and monitor to ensure those seeking and receiving services are provided with the highest standards of care. Over 2000 individuals have been supported through this funding.
3. Objectives of consultancy
An external consultant is sought to work closely with the GAT board of directors and staff to design and undertake a review and consultation process, analyse findings, and produce an outcome document (GAT Strategic Plan 2024-2026)
It is hoped that this work will be commenced at the latest by November 2022 and be completed by the end of February 2023.
4. Scope and focus
GAT wishes to engage a consultant to.- Assess relevance of the strategic plan/current work of the organisation
- Outline the operating context (internal and external) in which GAT is operating in and the prospective environment against which the next strategic plan will be developed.
- Review GAT’s current mission, vision, and value to ensure they are still considered relevant across the organisation and membership.
- Identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for GAT as informed by staff, Board, Members, and external stakeholder consultation
- Outline strategic choices/priority themes which will enable GAT to have most impact. Develop a set of objectives and actions for each theme.
- Write up the final strategy considering feedback and suggested changes from GAT and its key stakeholders.
- Provide regular progress updates to the CEO.
5. Methodology
We expect the methodology to include a combination of desk research and stakeholder consultation. The latter could include interviews with key internal and external stakeholders, surveys/questionnaires, swot analysis and facilitated sessions with the Board if/when required.
6. Project Budget
The total budget for the tender is up to a maximum €15,000 including VAT and all expenses. Payments will be made in agreed instalments, based on deliverables.7. Consultant specifications
The person or people hired to undertake this consultancy should possess the following qualifications and skills, at a minimum:- Experience in evaluation and inclusive strategic planning for advocacy organisations.
- Demonstrated track record in results-based monitoring and evaluation, organisational level performance management.
- Have experience of working with membership organisations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and have experience working with NGOs.
- Experiencing of strategic planning and execution and carrying out strategic plan reviews.
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Strong relationship management skills.
- Adherence to agreed-upon timeframes and deadlines.
- Ability to synthesise a large range of information methodically but also have a flexibility of approach to strategic planning consultation
8. Insurance and Tax
The successful consultant will be required to submit evidence of relevant professional indemnity and insurance details and provide a tax clearance certificate.9. Application and Tender Requirements
Tenders for this work must include:- Name of applicant / organisation name, address, and contact details.
- Cover letter addressing the criteria and outlining the understanding of the brief (max 1000 words)
- Personnel involved – details of all personnel who will be involved, including a CV which outlines their qualifications/experience
- Description of proposed project approach, methodology, actions, and timeframe (max. 1500 words)
- Examples of two relevant previous projects (max. 300 words) along with a separate referee for each, including contact details, for both projects
- Costs – detailed costs including any associated costs, VAT inclusive
10. Tender evaluation process
Tender proposals will be scored against the following criteria:- Understanding the Brief (20%)
- Proven capability and experience in research, consultation, and relevant field work (30%)
- Methodology (30%)
- Cost (20%)
11. Closing Date for Receipt of Tender
The closing date for receipt of the Tender to GAT is 5pm Friday, 8th November 2023.
Tender submissions, marked with the subject ‘Tender Application’ should be emailed to: [email protected]
Gambling Awareness Trust reserves the right not to award the tender to any of the applications received.
