Tender

Connect to Work Programme

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 6 releases in its history.

Tender

12 May 2025 at 12:25

Tender Notice
Tender

12 May 2025 at 10:34

Tender Notice
Tender

09 May 2025 at 14:23

Tender Notice
Tender

08 May 2025 at 15:02

Tender Notice
Tender

28 Apr 2025 at 12:36

Tender Notice
Tender

21 Feb 2025 at 10:57

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Buckinghamshire Council has released a tender for the "Connect to Work Programme", aimed at providing sustainable job opportunities for individuals with complex needs within the region of England, United Kingdom. This initiative, valued at approximately £6,092,328 GBP, involves collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions and seeks a delivery partner to manage and implement the programme. Following an open procurement procedure, the full tender documentation will be available by 12th May 2025, with a bid submission deadline set for the 26th June 2025. The contract is expected to commence on 20th October 2025 and conclude on 19th October 2028, focusing on job search and personal development training services under the CPV classification codes 79611000 and 80570000, respectively.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses experienced in supported employment programmes, specifically those familiar with the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models. It is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs, with an emphasis on organisations capable of building substantial relationships with local employers. Companies interested in participating should have a track record of working with economically inactive adults and be equipped to deliver employment solutions through either standalone efforts or through strategic consortia or subcontracting arrangements. Engaging in this project could enhance a provider's capabilities and reputation while contributing positively to the local community and employment landscape.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Connect to Work Programme

Notice Description

Buckinghamshire Council is excited to announce an incredible opportunity to partner with us on the Connect to Work programme. This initiative aims to break down barriers to employment and provide sustainable job opportunities for individuals with complex needs. By joining forces with us, you'll not only help transform lives but also contribute to the growth and productivity of our local economy. What is Connect to Work? -The Get Britain Working White Paper, released in November 2024, introduced the key supported employment programme, which aims to help eligible individuals secure sustainable, long-term employment. Currently, it is estimated that there are about 3million economically inactive people in the UK, of whom 1.9million people would like to work, but require support to do so. In 2023, 9,600 Buckinghamshire residents were economically inactive and wished to work but required support to do so. Buckinghamshire Council expects to support 720 individuals (at the peak) at an anticipated cost of up to PS2.5million in the peak year, delivered over an initial three-year period, with the opportunity to extend to 5 years. It will help connect local work, health and skills support and help eligible participants to secure sustainable work through a voluntary supported employment model, adhering to Individual Placement & Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) frameworks. Through this, the programme will expand the use of the proven five stage Supported Employment model of 'place, train and maintain'. How will it be managed and delivered?- Buckinghamshire Council is the Accountable Body. Working with the Department for Work and Pensions, Buckinghamshire Council will oversee the programme including procuring and managing delivery partner to provide sufficient high-quality support to participants and employers to make the programme a success. Our ambition is to deliver this programme in partnership with one high-quality provider, who are able to meet set targets for supporting economically inactive adults in Buckinghamshire into work. We are looking for delivery partner with considerable and demonstrable experience of providing supported employment programmes which deliver to both individuals with complex barriers, and employers who will provide the sustainable jobs. Partner that succeed in the selection process, must either already deliver IPS and SEQF, have robust training plans or intend to deliver both models in a consortium or subcontracting model which is clearly demonstrated in the application. process. Further, the successful bidder must show developed relationships with employers within Buckinghamshire (or a commutable distance given the target audience) with the ability to identify employment opportunities and support employers to provide successful, sustainable job outcomes. Additional information: The Council is conducting the procurement under the "Open Regime" in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015). This tender aim is to provide the full tender documentation suite by the 12th May 2025 on the Council's portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/buckinghamshire-council Please note that this will allow bidders at least 30 days to review, ask clarification questions and submit their bids timely by the bid submission deadline of 26th June 2025. If there are any further delays in making the full tender documentation available we will in due course delay the bid submission deadline accordingly to ensure that bidders have at least 30 days to allow them to review, ask clarifications and submit their bids.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-6a1dc1d6-17b2-41b4-9161-e48e24b5ace3
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/81954656-1d5e-4e06-8045-2b9ba7cc7ef5
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

79611000 - Job search services

80570000 - Personal development training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£6,092,328 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
26 Jun 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
19 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2028 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Donna Aldridge
Contact Email
donna.aldridge@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
AYLESBURY
Postcode
HP20 1UA
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Aylesbury North
Westminster Constituency
Aylesbury

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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