MAXIMUS UK, one of the largest providers of employment, health and disability support programmes in the United Kingdom, shared today that the Company has been awarded the contract to administer the Student Bursary Support Service (SBSS). The contract is anticipated to operate for three academic years, beginning in 2019, with a total contract value of £5.2 million, excluding VAT, with the potential of a two year extension.
The SBSS administers the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (bursaries for vulnerable groups) on behalf of the UK Department for Education. These student financial support schemes are designed to help young people with the costs of participating in post 16 education. Care to Learn provides help with childcare costs whilst a young parent is in education and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides help with costs such as travel, course books and equipment.
MAXIMUS UK will administer applications for financial support for eligible students, on behalf of the Department for Education. Delivery of the contract will be supported by a contact centre and digital platform, processing an estimated 25,000 applications and handling 30,000 enquiries annually. The contract will go live in May 2019 following an implementation period.
“This is an important service that ensures individuals have access to the support they need to continue their education,” said Robert Spread, Programme Director, MAXIMUS UK. “MAXIMUS brings to this contract global expertise in delivering effective eligibility programmes on behalf of government, and our strong track record in the UK of supporting a diverse range of customer groups.
As we implement this contract over the coming months, MAXIMUS will continue to develop its contact centre and digital capabilities in the UK, utilising the latest technology to enhance user experience.”
MAXIMUS operates more than 100 contact centres internationally, delivering a diverse range of eligibility and enrolment contracts for government utilising industry-leading management practices and technology. Together, MAXIMUS contact centres handled more than 26 million calls in 2017.
