The Merlin Standard

The Merlin Standard has been designed by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) with providers and representative bodies to help evolve successful, high performing supply chains, and champion positive behaviours and relationships
in the delivery of provision.

The development of the standard responds directly to concerns raised
by providers, especially those not operating as prime contractors, in ensuring
appropriate fairness within supply chains. It is envisaged that, ultimately,
all organisations who have a direct contract with DWP, but who use third party suppliers to deliver a proportion of this provision on their behalf, will be subject
to Merlin.

Carley Consult was appointed by DWP in October 2009 to run a two year pilot
to administer Merlin. This activity involves developing the criteria for Merlin,
designing guidance information and an application process, and conducting
the initial cycle of Merlin assessments. It also includes developing a dedicated

website for Merlin, which will be available from the Summer of 2010. This will
include a facility to help prime providers identify potential subcontractors, and for subcontractors to promote themselves to prime providers.

Our activity within Merlin forms part of a wider suite of quality assurance services for employment and skills providers. You can find out more about Merlin from DWP's own website, or by alternatively contacting us through our own site.

the merlin standard