Tender Request – 
Getting Started Evaluation

Overview

1.1 Age Action

Age Action is Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation for older people. Age Action works to ensure that older people’s voices are heard at the highest level of Government and that the lived experience of older people informs policy responses to their needs. Age Action supports and advocates for equality for all older people, underpinned by Human Rights. Equality requires recognition of the diversity of identity and situation among older people and measures to address accumulated disadvantage. In addressing ageing, our work includes a concern to influence perspectives on and responses to ageing. This pursuit of equality and human rights is underpinned by our work to promote ageing in place, life‐long learning, and health and wellbeing for older people, empowering them to live as active citizens.

1.2 Our Values

Our work is driven by an organisation that lives out its values of dignity, participation, diversity, social justice, and professionalism. Please familiarise yourself with the attached Values Statement.

1.3 Background

Digital literacy levels for older people in Ireland are far below other European countries. The proportion of adults not using the internet includes one in five (17%) people aged 60-74 and more than half (51%) of people aged 75 or older. This implies that approximately 300,000, or three in ten older people are not using the internet.

Seven in ten (71%) of all older persons are using the internet, but nearly half (46.2%) of those older internet users have ‘below basic’ digital skills. That is, nearly half of older internet users do not have the skills to confidently and safely do so, especially for complex online processes or transactions.

Six in ten (62%) of adults aged 60 or older are ‘digitally excluded’ either because they are not using the internet or have ‘below basic’ digital skills.

What is Getting Started?

Age Action’s Getting Started is a free digital literacy programme, helping older people to get online, or use their smart device with confidence. Age Action’s Getting Started was the first competency-based digital training for older people in Ireland. It uses the EU’s DigComp framework as the foundation blocks of the curriculum, building the capacity of older people to engage with technology safely.

Age Action’s Getting Started is a volunteer-led, one-to-one, competency-based training course. Age Action trains and supports volunteers to become tutors. Volunteer tutors are then matched with older students for up to ten hours training in digital skills. The classes are learner-led, meaning that the learner will determine what will be covered in the course depending on their need. This could range from more basic requests such as navigating a smart device, to more advanced such as completing Local Property Tax online or accessing eHealth services. To complement this we have also developed a suite of learning resources that can be used in the context of a one-to-one class, or can facilitate self-learning.

It is expected that the successful applicant will conduct desktop research and lived experience analysis. Age Action will support the researcher to source the focus group participants but the successful applicant will design, facilitate, record and analyse same ensuring adequate GDPR measures are documented.

The specific outcome from the research will be a report, comprising:

• Analysis of learner experience;
• Analysis of internal Age Action data;
• Identification of gaps and recommendation for programme improvement.

1.4 Aim of the Research

The aim of this research is to critically evaluate the efficacy of the Getting Started programme in the Cork area and surrounds with a view to improving the effectiveness of the programme.

1.5 Scope of research

Research will be carried out to examine the effectiveness of existing digital literacy supports for Getting Started participants in the Cork area and surrounds. This research will include but will not be limited to:

• A review of lived experience through a mix of focus group discussions and key informant interviews;
• An assessment of existing Age Action data including the results of pre- and post- course learner questionnaires measuring changes in learner confidence and skills in digital literacy;
• Identification key gaps and make recommendations for programme improvement.

The research will consider the principles of equality of outcome, and the needs of older populations. The research will be carried out in line with Age Action’s values of dignity, participation, diversity, professionalism and social justice.

1.6 Methodology

A mixture of qualitative and quantitative data-collection methods: undertaking research including focus group discussion, key informant interviews and desk-based research. The output report will inform future iterations of the programme, forming the basis of a programme improvement plan to improve overall delivery of the programme.

The researcher will ensure that all research is conducted in line with GDPR requirements.

Tendering process

2.1 Tender requirements

We ask applicants to include the following in their tender proposals:

1. A demonstrated understanding and experience in the research area, and, awareness of the requirements of the project. (30%)
2. A workplan identifying approaches and methodologies used in carrying out the research, within the specified timeframe and with reference to associated milestone reports. (20%)
3. A breakdown of costs, inclusive of VAT and demonstrating value for money (30%)
4. An outline of skills, qualifications, alignment to Age Action values, and experience in the area, with details of two references that may be contacted prior to awarding the contract. (20%)

2.2 Evaluation Methodology

Proposals will be evaluated on the principle of value for money. We will apply a quality/cost ratio of 70%/30%.

2.3 Budget

The total budget available for this research is €3,000, inclusive of VAT.

2.4 Timescales

The indicative timetable for the expression of interest process is as follows:

Stage / Date

• Deadline for clarifications: Friday 25th July, 2pm
• Issue response to clarifications: Tuesday 29th July, 5pm
• Deadline for submission of proposal: Friday 8th August, 5pm
• Potential Interview (virtual): Week beginning 18th August 2025
• Notification of result: Monday 25th August 2025
• Contract award: Friday 29th August 2025
• Research submission: Friday 3rd October 2025

2.5 Submissions

All tender proposals can be submitted to Jipe Kelly, jipe.kelly@ageaction.ie by 5pm on Friday 8th August 2025.