Award

Connect to Work

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK & PENSIONS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

11 Feb 2026 at 12:01

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process titled "Connect to Work" was initiated by the Department for Work & Pensions, aimed at conducting an externally-commissioned evaluation of a voluntary Supported Employment programme for disabled individuals, people with long-term health conditions, and disadvantaged groups. It falls under the industry category of "Research services". The geographical scope includes the United Kingdom, British Oversea Territories, Channel Islands, Europe, Isle of Man, Rest of the World. The procurement stage is currently at award, with the contract period starting on 23 October 2025 and concluding on 22 November 2031. The procurement method utilised was selective, via a call-off from a framework agreement, and the value of the contract stands at GBP 4,286,737.93. The tender period ended on 28 August 2025, signalling the commencement of the award phase thereafter.

This tender offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses in the research services sector, especially SMEs and VCSEs that can deliver insightful evaluations for government programmes targeting social development. Companies with expertise in social research, particularly those equipped to handle projects of significant scale, will find this tender advantageous. The awarded supplier for this contract is NatCen Social Research, indicating a strong preference for organisations proficient in comprehensive and analytical evaluation methods. The procurement by the Department for Work & Pensions demonstrates an investment in evidence-based research to enhance public service programmes, presenting an attractive prospect for businesses aiming to contribute to meaningful societal impact.

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Notice Title

Connect to Work

Notice Description

This is a proposed externally-commissioned evaluation of Connect to Work, a large voluntary programme of localised Supported Employment for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and disadvantaged groups.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-690ed47a-7812-4d3f-9d5c-0db36909da03
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/034a2d3a-b114-4f2f-9f5b-4309495f2ec3
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,286,737 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£4,286,737 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
28 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
22 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Nov 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR WORK & PENSIONS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1H 9NA
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

NATCEN SOCIAL RESEARCH

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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