• Background

• What we aim to achieve

• The Merlin Standard

• Mediation Service

• Merlin Web Portal

• Future developments

Contents

• DWP commissioning strategy

• The Code of Conduct

• The ‘black box’ approach

• Need to ensure fair treatment of partners and

subcontractors by Prime Contractors.

• Development of the Merlin Standard

The Background

What Are Aiming to Achieve:

• Recognise & promote sustainable excellence in supply chains

• Promote positive partnership working

• Fair treatment

• Robust and healthy Supply chains

5

The Merlin Model

Designed to assess at 3 levels:Prime: confirming compliance with Code of Conduct, identifying best practice

and providing feedback on Commissioning activitySupply Chain Partners: confirming behaviour of Primes against the

Code of Conduct, identifying and confirming best practice and identifying any Commissioning activity that affects supply chain behaviour

Commissioning: identifying impacts on supply chain behaviour resulting from contract design and procurement activity

The Merlin Standard

The Merlin Principles

The Merlin Accreditation Service• Merlin Pilots to inform the design and progression of

Merlin Standard model

• Procurement for an independent Accreditation Service will begin shortly

• Accreditation Service starting with all Prime Contractors of the Work Programme scheduled to launch in Autumn 2011

• Providers will be required to meet the ‘Merlin Standard’ to ensure healthy supply chains

The MERLIN ASSESSMENT (PROCESS) The Process and Method Stage 1

• Developing service that is part of a disputes handling process

• Independent service positioned to mediate in cases that have failed dispute resolution

• Service to become available in summer 2011

Mediation Service

The Merlin Web Portal• Web Portal launched in November 2010. Potential Sub-

contractors can register and upload profiles.

• Focal point for all Merlin activity.

• User friendly design based on consultation

www.themerlinstandard.co.uk

• The Merlin Standard will be co-regulated by both Government and Industry by a representative Board

• The Merlin Board to be set up in the Autumn will monitor Accreditation Service and effectiveness of Supply Chains

• Expansion Cross-Government

Future Developments