This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

29 Jul 2026 at 13:44

Planning

23 Jul 2025 at 15:24

Summary of the contracting process

Herefordshire Council, in collaboration with Shropshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, has initiated the tender process for the "Connect to Work IPS Programme Herefordshire." This project focuses on delivering supported employment services under the Individual Placement Support (IPS) model across Herefordshire. The process is in the "tender" stage with a deadline for submissions by 2nd September 2026. The open procedure procurement method utilised invites interested parties to submit their tenders electronically via the supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk portal. The programme targets supporting individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment and is set to commence on 6th October 2026, continuing until 31st March 2028. The programme falls under the services category, addressing job search, career guidance, and personal development training services, primarily within the UKG11 region.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for experienced supported employment providers capable of implementing the IPS programme. The project is particularly suited for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) with expertise in supporting vulnerable individuals into sustainable employment. Businesses adept at delivering quality social value outcomes are highly encouraged to compete, especially those prioritising innovation and holistic employment support strategies. By participating, businesses can expand their portfolio within the public sector, benefit from a substantial funding pool, and enhance their reputation in delivering valuable community services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Tender for Connect to Work IPS Programme Herefordshire

Notice Description

Herefordshire Council, working in partnership with Shropshire Council (who is the lead accountable body for the Connect to Work programme in the Marches economic area), and the Department for Work and Pensions, is responsible for commissioning the Connect to Work programme in Herefordshire. The Council is seeking to appoint an experienced supported employment Supplier to deliver the Individual Placement Support (IPS) element of the Connect to Work Programme across Herefordshire ("Contract"). The Connect to Work Programme is a voluntary programme that is government funded and provides supported employment services to help people with disabilities, health conditions, and other barriers find a suitable job and sustainable work. It will also help those in work but at risk of falling out of the labour market (and who will struggle to get back into work if they lose their job) to retain their employment.

Planning Information

Herefordshire Council has published this Request for Information on the 'Supplying the Southwest Portal', project reference DN783822. To view the documentation related to this opportunity you will need to register on the portal if you are not already registered with Procontract and express an interest in the opportunity. To register with Procontract on the Supplying the Southwest Portal, click on the link below or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk Closing date for responses: Wednesday 06 August 2025 at 12:00

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0564db
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071772-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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

98 - Other community, social and personal services


CPV Codes

79611000 - Job search services

79634000 - Career guidance services

80570000 - Personal development training services

98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,274,616 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,274,616 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
2 Sep 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
29 Aug 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Oct 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

SHROPSHIRE 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
HEREFORD
Postcode
HR4 0LE
Post Town
Hereford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG22 Shropshire
Delivery Location
TLG11 Herefordshire, County of

Local Authority
Shropshire
Electoral Ward
Porthill
Westminster Constituency
Shrewsbury

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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