1. Introduction

Galway City Partnership (GCP) invites proposals from suitably qualified consultants to lead the development of a new strategic plan that will guide the organisation’s work over the period 2026–2030. This plan will build on GCP’s commitment to tackling disadvantage and social exclusion and provide a clear roadmap to promote community development, support marginalised individuals and communities, as well as the growth of social enterprises in Galway City.

2. Background

Galway City Partnership is a local development company working to combat disadvantage and improve equality of opportunity mainly in Galway City, however, some of our activity does extend across the entire County. We work with individuals and groups experiencing poverty, social exclusion, and inequality — including Long-term Unemployed individuals, Travellers and Roma, People with Disabilities, Young People, Migrants, One parent Families, and others who face systemic barriers to inclusion.

Our supports range from community development, education and employment activation to enterprise, social enterprise development, supports to children and families and health promotion and wellbeing. We are the local implementer of programmes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Local Area Employment Services (LAES), and TUS.

In line with our mission to support the most disadvantaged, our next strategic plan must reflect our evolving role as a connector, advocate, and enabler for both individuals and communities including those working to build sustainability and climate justice.

Galway City Partnership is managed by Board of Directors, comprising of representatives from the community sector, state sector, and social partners. Further details are available on https://gcp.ie/

3. Objectives of the Strategic Plan

The strategic plan should:

• Review GCP’s mission, vision, and core values in the context of community development and supporting disadvantaged individuals and communities.
• Identify strategic priorities and organisational goals for the next 5 years, with a strong focus on inclusion, empowerment, and social justice.
• Identify further possibilities in the sourcing of European Funding aligning with the values of the company
• Address the development and support of social enterprises as key contributors to inclusive local economies.
• Align with national, regional, and local policy frameworks (e.g., SICAP, LECP, Pathways to Work, Sláintecare, National Social Enterprise Policy, etc.).
• Include a clear implementation and monitoring framework with actions and indicators relevant to our target groups and community stakeholders.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will be required to:

1. Undertake a situational analysis, including a review of internal organisational strengths and external challenges and opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged populations and social enterprises.
2. Review of external policy environment and Census data
3. Engage a broad range of stakeholders, including staff, Board members, programme participants, community groups, social enterprise representatives, and strategic partners through a combination of workshops, interviews, and surveys.
4. Analyse policy and funding trends, especially those relevant to poverty reduction, social inclusion, and the community and voluntary sector.
5. Draft a strategic plan that includes clearly defined strategic goals, measurable objectives, priority actions, and outcomes that reflect GCP’s social inclusion mission.
6. Facilitate review sessions with GCP’s management team and Board of Directors to refine and validate the plan.
7. Finalise the plan, incorporating all feedback.

5. Deliverables

• A comprehensive strategic plan (in Word and PDF formats).
• A visually engaging executive summary, suitable for wide dissemination to communities and stakeholders.
• A PowerPoint presentation of key findings and strategic goals.
• A stakeholder engagement summary.

6. Timeframe

The consultancy is expected to begin in October 2025

7. Budget

Tenderers should submit their most competitive pricing as no indicative budget is being provided at this stage. The consultant will be paid in instalments linked to the achievement of agreed milestones.

8. Consultant Requirements

The ideal consultant or team will demonstrate:

• Experience in strategic planning within the community development, social inclusion, or social enterprise sectors.
• Familiarity with the Irish policy landscape in relation to disadvantage, inclusion, and community development.
• Strong facilitation skills and a proven track record of engaging marginalised groups respectfully and meaningfully.
• Excellent writing and analysis skills, with the ability to produce accessible and strategic documentation.

9. Submission Requirements

Proposals should include:

• A cover letter demonstrating your suitability and understanding of the brief.
• A detailed methodology and work plan, including stakeholder engagement approaches.
• Examples of similar work completed in the past (with client references).
• Profiles/CVs of key personnel.
• A detailed and itemised budget, including VAT. Proposals should clearly and individually identify the hourly commitment to the project including travel, direct contact, planning etc.
• Tax Clearance details
• Relevant insurance details

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Criteria

Relevant experience in strategic planning and inclusion work - Weighting: 40%

Quality and clarity of methodology - Weighting: 30%

Cost-effectiveness and value for money - Weighting: 20%

Understanding of GCP’s mission and local context - Weighting: 10%

11. Submission Process

Please submit your proposal by email only no later than 4pm on 15th September 2025 to:

Linda Sice Brogan

CEO

Galway City Partnership
Email: linda@gcp.ie

For queries, please contact Linda Sice Brogan at linda@gcp.ie by 11th September 2025

Galway City Partnership reserves the right to seek further information or invite potential facilitators to interview following short-listing in the event of several proposals being of comparable merit. This will be arranged according to mutual convenience.