BBC Learning calls for expression of interest from partners for Make It Digital initiative

In 2015, the BBC’s Make it Digital initiative will shine a light on the world of digital creativity and coding. Why are we doing this? The BBC has already inspired a generation to get passionate about computing. Back in the Eighties the BBC broadcast hundreds of hours of TV, created a new coding language, and gave millions their first taste of computing with the BBC Micro.  It’s firmly rooted in our public service commitments; in 2015 we want to capture the spirit of what we did with the BBC Micro, but this time for the digital age.

However, the environment is very different to the one back then; in 2015 there are many providers and companies already working with young people and successfully getting them coding.  There is also a wide range of devices and programmes to choose from. BBC Learning has an ambition to deliver something that is complementary to existing initiatives and also leads to an explosion of creativity in young people and in the companies working with them.

We have some great ideas and plans but they are still very much at the preliminary/feasibility stage.  We have already realised, however, that we can only deliver at scale through working in partnership. Initial consultations with the sector have led us to believe that this is the right approach to take. This is why BBC Learning is now inviting expressions of interest from individual companies, consortia and organisations who would like to be part of a public value partnership to deliver this ambition.

What we’re looking for

As part of Make it Digital, we’d like to create a hands-on learning experience that allows any level of young coder from absolute beginner to advanced maker to get involved and be part of something exciting. We are looking for partners, large and small, who are both willing and able to contribute services and/or funding to the delivery of this project alongside the BBC. This initiative will involve the BBC working together with the market as a public value partnership and is not a call for tenders for the provision of services to the BBC. If you do not feel that your services could cater for this size of audience or if you are unable to make a contribution in kind, please do not apply.

Schedule

Next steps

Please submit expressions of interest by email to learning.makeitdigital@bbc.co.uk at your earliest convenience and no later than 2pm 8^th December 2014.

For more information on BBC partnerships policy and eligibility to partner, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/page/guidelines-appendices-appendix-3-partnerships