Calling UK Professional Body and Research Agency for Training

The British Council is seeking an experienced UK professional body or research management agency to co-design, contextualise, and co-deliver an international-standard research governance programme to enhance capability in India. The programme is intended to strengthen institutional research leadership and research management capacity. The deadline to respond to the tender is 19 October 2026 (call closes). British Council is looking for a UK expert organisation (an experienced UK professional body or research management agency) to work in partnership with an Indian research management organisation. The role includes co-designing, contextualising, and co-delivering a capability-building programme in research governance. The initiative aims to support a shift from basic project administration towards strategic, visionary research leadership within India’s higher education and research institutions. The source also highlights systemic challenges including research quality, knowledge translation, funding success, and institutional research management capacity. The programme is delivered through two stated phases: The provided source text describes the scope and delivery phases but does not specify: Not specified in the source. Readers should consult the official RFP for commercial and budget details. Based on the tender notice text, eligible suppliers are: Additional eligibility requirements, exclusions, or mandatory qualifications beyond the supplier type are not specified in the provided source text. The notice advises suppliers to refer to the RFP for full requirements. The programme scope includes (but is not limited to) the following training and capacity-building components: The source also frames the need as strengthening institutional capability in: This opportunity targets a capability gap in research governance and institutional research management in India. The source notes shortages in dedicated Research Management Offices (RMOs) and references the introduction of Research and Development Cells (RDCs) by the University Grants Commission (UGC), indicating a broader need for stronger internal research-management structures. For UK-based professional bodies and research management agencies, the tender offers a structured pathway to apply expertise in research governance and knowledge translation alongside an Indian research management partner, using a phased approach that includes diagnostic work, curriculum design, and hybrid programme delivery. What is the British Council opportunity called? The tender is for the Research Management and Governance Capability Enhancement Programme (RFP name). Who can apply as a supplier? The source indicates that British Council is seeking an experienced UK professional body or research management agency. Where will the training be delivered? The programme is framed as enhancing capability in India (the scope is for institutions within the Indian higher education/research context). What is the deadline to respond? The call closes on 19 October 2026 (GMT). The source also references an earlier date (16 September 2026 by 12:00 hours UK); check the RFP Timescales section for the correct submission deadline. How long is the programme? The scope specifies Phase 1 (Months 1–3) and Phase 2 (Months 4–12), totaling 12 months. How do I submit my proposal? Submit via British Council’s e-Tendering portal at https://tap.tcsapps.com/tap2/#/bc-supplier-registration by the response deadline. Where can I find the required submission documents? The source states that the tender response template is listed in Part 2 (Submission Checklist) of Annex [2] (Supplier Response) within the RFP. If you are a UK-based professional body or research management agency, start by downloading and reviewing the official RFP for RFP1036402 to confirm commercial requirements, detailed eligibility conditions, and the complete list of required proposal documents. Then prepare your submission in the structure specified in the RFP annexes and submit through the British Council e-Tendering portal before the confirmed deadline.