Award

Berkshire Connect to Work Programme

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

04 Mar 2026 at 14:53

Award

13 Nov 2025 at 11:24

Tender

22 Sep 2025 at 16:11

Planning

30 Apr 2025 at 16:16

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Wokingham Borough Council for the Berkshire Connect to Work Programme is currently in the award stage. This initiative, which falls under training programme services, aims to provide a supported employment service using various employment models. The service is located in Berkshire, United Kingdom, specifically in the UKJ11 region. The procurement method employed was an open procedure, often advantageous for ensuring transparency and competition. The contract was signed on 26th November 2025 and will run until 25th November 2028, with potential extensions subject to funding and performance. Palladium International Ltd was awarded the contract, with a total value of £8,917,286, excluding VAT. This contract will be one of the key service provisions targeting 'Hidden Unemployment' through a collaborative, locally led approach.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses focused on employment services and training. With the ample £10,700,743 available for this contract, there is room for large-scale service providers like Palladium International Ltd, as well as smaller local entities through subcontracting arrangements set by the prime contractor. Businesses familiar with training programme services and those adept at working with employment support frameworks are particularly well-suited for involvement in this project. The extension option beyond the initial term provides further potential business continuity, driven by performance metrics. The programme’s design encourages local participation and capacity building, aligning well with businesses aiming to expand their footprint in the regional employment support sector.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Berkshire Connect to Work Programme

Notice Description

The commissioning of a Supported employment service using both models of Supported Employment (Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment Quality Framework) for eligible and suitable participants.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: If further funding becomes available during the course of the contract, the Accountable Body will use the funding to increase the number of Participants in the programme to the maximum allowable under the Procurement Act 2023.

Renewal: This is a 3 year initial contract with optional extensions up to 24 months in total. An extension beyond 31 March 2030 will only be allowed, subject to additional funding being approved. Extensions to the contract are at the Accountable Body's discretion and will depend on budget availability and performance being in line with expectations.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050ab9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019555-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80521000 - Training programme services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£7,666,780 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£7,666,780 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£7,666,780 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£8,917,286 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
23 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
23 Jun 2025Expired
Award Date
12 Nov 20255 months ago
Contract Period
26 Nov 2025 - 25 Nov 2028 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WOKINGHAM
Postcode
RG40 1BN
Post Town
Reading
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ16 Berkshire West
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLJ11 Berkshire, TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Wokingham
Electoral Ward
Emmbrook
Westminster Constituency
Wokingham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PALLADIUM INTERNATIONAL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-050ab9-2026-03-04T14:53:43Z",
    "date": "2026-03-04T14:53:43Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-050ab9",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "planning": {
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "018180-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK1",
                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018180-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-04-30T17:16:15+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "The justification for not publishing a PME is that this engagement was undertaken prior to PA2023 going live where this requirement was not in place. We have undertaken informal market engagement across Berkshire and held sessions for large and small providers to help shape and inform our decision making around project design: * Berkshire Cluster has held events on the design of the programme and provided an opportunity to identify potential providers. * These sessions have helped us to shape our delivery plan, in its current form with one Prime Contractor, subcontracting, where appropriate, with smaller, local and specialist provision. The reasons for this included: * Capacity and resources across the 6 Local Authorities * Geography of the area * Size and scale of the project * Current provision"
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PNTM-6852-HGRP",
            "name": "Wokingham Borough Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PNTM-6852-HGRP"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Civic Offices, Shute End",
                "locality": "Wokingham",
                "postalCode": "RG40 1BN",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ11"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "matthew.mason@wokingham.gov.uk",
                "name": "Matthew Mason",
                "telephone": "+441182378929"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ],
                "url": "http://www.wokingham.gov.uk"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PYNR-7854-GVZQ",
            "name": "Palladium International Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PYNR-7854-GVZQ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "16th Floor, Hylo, 105 Bunhill Row",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "EC1Y 8L Z",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI43"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Caroline Bostock",
                "email": "Caroline.bostock@thepalladiumgroup.com",
                "telephone": "+447985310480"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "large",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false,
                "url": "https://thepalladiumgroup.com/"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PCWM-2653-WRMG",
            "name": "Get Skills Employment & Training Ltd T/A Get Set UK",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PCWM-2653-WRMG"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "86-90 Paul Street,",
                "locality": "London , Greater London, England,",
                "postalCode": "EC2A 4NE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI41"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PNTM-6852-HGRP",
        "name": "Wokingham Borough Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "D790237",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Berkshire Connect to Work Programme",
        "description": "The commissioning of a Supported employment service using both models of Supported Employment (Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment Quality Framework) for eligible and suitable participants.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "80521000",
                        "description": "Training programme services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKD",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKE",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKF",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKH",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ11",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2025-12-01T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-11-30T23:59:59+00:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2030-11-30T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 9200136,
                    "amount": 7666780,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Quality Weighting",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "description": "Price Weighting",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "This is a 3 year initial contract with optional extensions up to 24 months in total. An extension beyond 31 March 2030 will only be allowed, subject to additional funding being approved. Extensions to the contract are at the Accountable Body's discretion and will depend on budget availability and performance being in line with expectations."
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "If further funding becomes available during the course of the contract, the Accountable Body will use the funding to increase the number of Participants in the programme to the maximum allowable under the Procurement Act 2023."
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-06-23T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "complete",
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 9200136,
            "amount": 7666780,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://procontract.due-north.com",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-10-23T11:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-10-09T16:00:00Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-14T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "058679-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/058679-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-09-22T17:11:11+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "riskDetails": "Contract may need to be amended at any time if DWP increases or reduces/withdraws funding. This may happen if performance does not meet expectations, or exceeds expectations."
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "details": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-PPON-PYNR-7854-GVZQ",
                        "name": "Palladium International Limited"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-PPON-PCWM-2653-WRMG",
                        "name": "Get Skills Employment & Training Ltd T/A Get Set UK"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            }
        ],
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 2,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Berkshire Connect to Work Programme",
            "status": "active",
            "date": "2025-11-12T00:00:00+00:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 9200136,
                "amount": 7666780,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-PPON-PYNR-7854-GVZQ",
                    "name": "Palladium International Ltd"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "80521000",
                            "description": "Training programme services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKJ11",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        },
                        {
                            "region": "UKJ11",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2025-11-25T00:00:00+00:00",
                "endDate": "2028-11-24T23:59:59+00:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2030-11-24T23:59:59+00:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "The initial contract term is 3 years, with optional extensions up to a maximum of 24 months, subject to continued funding and satisfactory performance. The contract can only be extended beyond 31/03/2030 if additional funding is made available."
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "Should performance exceed expectations, further DWP funding may be available to increase the number of Participants invited to use the Connect to Work Service. This will be allowable under the Contract up to the Maximum allowable under the Procurement Act 2023."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "073461-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073461-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-11-13T11:24:02Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2025-11-12T00:00:00+00:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2025-11-25T23:59:59+00:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "title": "UK7 - Berkshire Connect to Work Programme",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2025-11-26T00:00:00+00:00",
                "endDate": "2028-11-25T23:59:59+00:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2030-11-25T23:59:59+00:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "The initial contract term is 3 years, with optional extensions up to a maximum of 24 months, subject to continued funding and satisfactory performance. The contract can only be extended beyond 31/03/2030 if additional funding is made available."
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "Should performance exceed expectations, further DWP funding may be available to increase the number of Participants invited to use the Connect to Work Service. This will be allowable under the Contract up to the Maximum allowable under the Procurement Act 2023."
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 10700743,
                "amount": 8917286,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "dateSigned": "2025-11-26T00:00:00+00:00",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "A-12851",
                    "documentType": "contractSigned",
                    "description": "Due to upload restrictions, contract has been split into 5 parts (1 of 5).",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-12851",
                    "format": "application/pdf"
                },
                {
                    "id": "A-12852",
                    "documentType": "contractSigned",
                    "description": "Due to upload restrictions, contract has been split into 5 parts (2 of 5).",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-12852",
                    "format": "application/pdf"
                },
                {
                    "id": "A-12853",
                    "documentType": "contractSigned",
                    "description": "Due to upload restrictions, contract has been split into 5 parts (3 of 5).",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-12853",
                    "format": "application/pdf"
                },
                {
                    "id": "A-12854",
                    "documentType": "contractSigned",
                    "description": "Due to upload restrictions, contract has been split into 5 parts (4 of 5).",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-12854",
                    "format": "application/pdf"
                },
                {
                    "id": "A-12855",
                    "documentType": "contractSigned",
                    "description": "Due to upload restrictions, contract has been split into 5 parts (5 of 5).",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-12855",
                    "format": "application/pdf"
                },
                {
                    "id": "019555-2026",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019555-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-03-04T14:53:43Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}