Planning

Returners to Work Programme

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

04 Aug 2025 at 11:03

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council is in the planning stage of a procurement process for the "Returners to Work Programme," which focuses on adult and other education services. The programme aims to support individuals returning to work after career breaks by providing various services including CV writing assistance, interview preparation, and confidence-building workshops. The procurement process is under the services category and has a planned contract period from 5th January 2026 to 4th January 2027. Located in Chelmsford, UK, interested parties are scheduled to express interest by 12th September 2025. The programme seeks to engage local employers and training providers to support 150 beneficiaries in obtaining good-quality employment or training opportunities.

This procurement process presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in adult education services, mentorship, or career coaching. With a total value of £150,000, businesses of various sizes, including SMEs and VCSEs, will find it feasible to become involved. Strong connections with local stakeholders and a commitment to facilitating progression for the beneficiaries will be vital for successful engagement in this programme. Companies with expertise in building confidence and career readiness would particularly benefit from participating in this initiative, given the emphasis on collaboration with local employers and support agencies.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Returners to Work Programme

Notice Description

This is not a tender. Programme Objectives The programme will provide targeted support to individuals returning to work after a career break, helping them overcome barriers and build confidence. Key interventions may include: * CV writing and application support * Interview preparation * Confidence-building workshops * One-to-one coaching and mentoring * Signposting to relevant training and support services The successful provider will also be expected to build strong connections with local employers, training providers, and support agencies to facilitate progression opportunities. Target Outcome: Support 150 beneficiaries into good-quality employment, training, or volunteering placements.

Planning Information

Expression of interest form to be requested from Josh Carter at the following email address; joshua.carter@essex.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056c2c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045596-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80400000 - Adult and other education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£125,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Aug 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
12 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Jan 2026 - 4 Jan 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurementsanda@essex.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Post Town
Chelmsford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
TLH3 Essex
Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

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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