The last two years of pandemic has seen numerous lockdowns, increased unemployment, separation from loved ones and ongoing uncertainty. All of which has taken a toll on the mental health of individuals, so it is no surprise that this week we see three government departments issue Requests for Tender (RFT) for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), workplace programs that offer counselling and psychological services to employees.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is intended for employees who are experiencing difficulties of a personal or work-related nature. The EAP is a confidential work-based intervention program designed to enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of employees and includes services for immediate family members and managers/supervisors. The expected outcome is to provide for short term preventive and proactive interventions for the early detection, identification and/or resolution of both work and personal problems that may and do adversely affect performance and wellbeing and include when necessary, the ability to refer employees to appropriate specialist services. The three opportunities currently open are:
EAP Standing Offer Panel – Department of Defence
This procurement will be undertaken as a single stage RFT to establish a standing offer panel of several service providers. The panel will primarily be used by the Department of Defence (Defence) but can also be accessed by other Australian Government entities. The intention is for services to commence from 1 October 2022. This RFT closes on 22 April.
Employee Assistance Program Services – Reserve Bank of Australia
As part of the Bank’s commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of its 1400 employees (located in Australia, England, USA, and China), and in line with its strategic intention to create a flourishing workplace, the Reserved Bank Australia provides access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services as a resource for staff and family members to proactively support their wellbeing where required. The Bank is seeking to engage an EAP provider that represents the best value for money and can continue to support the Bank, its staff and the organisation towards its goal, a provider that can utilise innovative ways to further support proactive use of the services. Commencement of services is intended from 1 Of December 2022 with an initial duration of 3 years, with potential extension for a further 4 years. This RFT will close on 18 April.
Employee Assistance Program – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is a dispersed organisation with a large geographic footprint. Offices are maintained in Townsville, Cairns, Canberra, Gladstone, Mackay, Yeppoon and Airlie Beach. The organisation is culturally diverse and a provider must also demonstrate cultural competency in order to engage with first nation’s staff. Support will be required both in a face to face capacity and the ability to support telehealth and remote conferencing technologies (such as Teams) in order to support staff in regional offices / remote localities. The Contract will remain in force for a period of 12 Months. This RFT will close on 14 April.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
