This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

19 Jun 2026 at 14:24

Planning

28 Jul 2025 at 14:24

Summary of the contracting process

Somerset Council has initiated a procurement process for the "Connect to Work" programme, a Department for Work and Pensions-funded initiative aimed at reducing economic inactivity in the Somerset region (UKK23), United Kingdom. This initiative is part of the Government's Get Britain Working strategy and seeks to appoint one or more Delivery Partners to provide supported employment services. The tender is being conducted via an open procedure, inviting submissions until 17th July 2026, with awards expected by 9th September 2026. The contract, carrying a gross value of £2,400,000, will commence on 1st October 2026 and is planned to end by 31st March 2029, with renewal options available.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses, particularly those specialising in supported employment services and personalised employment solutions, to expand their portfolios by aligning with government-led employment initiatives. Specifically, it is suitable for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that can adhere to the innovative Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment Quality Framework models. Businesses capable of providing high-quality support services and demonstrating social value, with a focus on economically inactive individuals and those with complex barriers to employment, will likely find this opportunity aligns with their capabilities and growth objectives.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Connect to Work - Somerset Council

Notice Description

The Connect to Work (Connect to Work - GOV.UK) programme is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funded initiative designed to support individuals who are economically inactive or at risk of leaving employment to access and sustain suitable work. The programme forms part of the Government's Get Britain Working strategy, which aims to reduce economic inactivity and support more people into good, sustainable employment through locally led and integrated approaches. The purpose of this procurement is to appoint one or more Delivery Partners to deliver supported employment services as part of the Connect to Work programme in Somerset. The programme will support: * individuals who are economically inactive and wish to work; and * individuals who are in work but at risk of falling out of employment Support will be delivered using the following evidence-based supported employment models that form separate Lots: * Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Support (IPS); and * Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Lot Information

IPS

Delivery of Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

Renewal: At Authority's sole discretion for the continuation of funded service delivery. This may have a value up to PS200,000 ex VAT - this value has not been included in the Total contract value as it is not assigned to either Lot. The FTS system does not allow the addition of this value to the total where this is different from the sum of the Lots.

SEQF

Delivery of Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) programme

Renewal: At Authority's sole discretion for the continuation of funded service delivery. This may have a value up to PS200,000 ex VAT - this value has not been included in the Total contract value as it is not assigned to either Lot. The FTS system does not allow the addition of this value to the total where this is different from the sum of the Lots.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056749
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/058203-2026
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


CPV Codes

79610000 - Placement services of personnel

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Jun 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
17 Jul 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
10 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 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
SOMERSET 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
TAUNTON
Postcode
TA1 4DY
Post Town
Taunton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK62 Somerset
Delivery Location
TLK23 Somerset CC

Local Authority
Somerset
Electoral Ward
Bishop's Hull & Taunton West
Westminster Constituency
Taunton and Wellington

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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