Planning

RFP - The Supply of IPS/SEQF Services under Connect to Work in Cumbria England

FEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Sep 2025 at 14:14

Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The contracting process is currently at the planning stage, initiated by Fedcap Employment Limited for the "RFP - The Supply of IPS/SEQF Services under Connect to Work in Cumbria England." This open procedure tender, placed under the general public services category with additional focus on supporting and recruitment services, is set to address economic inactivity and improve employment opportunities in Cumbria. Cumberland Council is leading this procurement on behalf of both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils. The program's intent is to support local communities through methods such as Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). The procurement process is planned to commence on 6th January 2026 and extend until 31st March 2028, covering the entire Cumbria region with equal access for all residents.

This procurement presents significant business opportunities, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) that can provide local knowledge and demonstrate expertise in employment support models like IPS and SEQF. By participating, businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive growth and tapping into the local capacity of Cumbria. Fedcap is open to collaboration, seeking potential delivery partners with a deep understanding of the local environment and the ability to contribute to the community's economic development. This tender not only aligns with supporting employment but also encourages innovation and partnership with local enterprises that bring unique value to the service delivery.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFP - The Supply of IPS/SEQF Services under Connect to Work in Cumbria England

Notice Description

Connect to Work aims to address 'Hidden Unemployment' through a collaborative, locally driven approach, helping local communities to unlock their potential and contribute to both local and national growth. Quality employment is known to positively impact physical and mental health, providing income, social interaction, and a sense of purpose. Connect to Work is a voluntary program designed to tackle economic inactivity by providing targeted support to individuals based on their specific circumstances. It focuses on helping disabled people, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment. The program uses two key Supported Employment models: the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). SEQF follows the 'place, train, and maintain' approach, ensuring participants are placed in suitable jobs, trained, and supported to maintain employment. IPS, integrates supported employment within health services/settings, particularly for those with severe mental illness or substance dependence. Eligibility for Connect to Work primarily includes individuals who are economically inactive within priority groups and wish to work. It also supports those at risk of losing their jobs who would struggle to re-enter the workforce without assistance. Cumberland Council is the local authority leading the procurement of Connect to Work Cumbria (CtW) program for Cumbria on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. The CtW service is to be delivered, equitably, across the whole of Cumbria so that every resident has equal access/opportunity to same level and quality of service regardless of place. Cumberland Council have gone to market on behalf of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Council with a tender opportunity for IPS and SEQF. The opportunity is to deliver both IPS and SEQF across the whole of Cumbria as one lot. Fedcap are looking to submit a tender for Connect to Work in Cumbria and are looking for potential delivery partners to be named in our submission. Our approach is to embrace local capacity to deliver IPS and/or SEQF services to eligible Cumbria residents and we seek partners who can bring local knowledge and relationships alongside understanding and experience of supported employment delivery models. Interested organisations should complete the below Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding working with us on this opportunity. As part of our commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and fostering diversity within our supply chain, we particularly welcome submissions from local based/operating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and/or Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). We recognise and value the innovation and local expertise that SMEs/VCSEs bring and encourage their participation in this opportunity. Additional information: Clarification and completed RFPs should be sent to partnerships@fedcap.org.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-68e9ce19-d5a8-416c-8726-6b9f56b3923a
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9c9bb9d8-cd5b-4db2-ab09-6f25d21cb049
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

80 - Education and training services

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

75110000 - General public services

75130000 - Supporting services for the government

75200000 - Provision of services to the community

79600000 - Recruitment services

80400000 - Adult and other education services

80500000 - Training services

98200000 - Equal opportunities consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
10 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
6 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
STOCKTON-ON-TEES
Postcode
TS17 6EX
Post Town
Cleveland
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC3 Tees Valley
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC31 Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Delivery Location
TLD North West (England)
Local Authority
Stockton-on-Tees
Electoral Ward
Mandale & Victoria
Westminster Constituency
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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