This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

21 Oct 2025 at 16:15

Summary of the contracting process

South Lanarkshire Council is inviting tenders for the "Employability Services Procured Service Arrangement," targeting the education and training services sector. This procurement process falls under the "light touch" procedure as outlined in the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 and is currently at the tender stage. The contract is intended to support employability across multiple categories, including work-based learning, targeted support services, and health, wellbeing, and financial support, with a total estimated value of GBP 4,000,000. The main location for these services is South Lanarkshire, Scotland, with submissions due by 12:00 PM on 3rd December 2025. The contractual arrangements facilitate an ongoing and flexible framework which allows providers to enter the framework at multiple phases over its lifetime.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in vocational training, employment support, and wellbeing services. The flexible framework nature of this PSA means there is no limit to how many providers can be appointed, facilitating ample opportunity for business growth. Companies with a focus on education, training, support services, or specialised interventions for individuals facing employment barriers will find this tender particularly well-suited to their expertise. Given its significant community impact and the inclusion of community benefits, this contract not only supports business growth but also contributes to local social value, offering long-term opportunities for providers who can deliver high-quality, impactful services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Employability Services Procured Service Arrangement

Notice Description

The Council is seeking to appoint service providers through a Procured Service Arrangement (PSA). This is a bespoke arrangement/flexible framework which will be developed primarily for Employability Services but can be accessed by all services within the Council. The PSA will be procured using the "light touch" procedure set out in Regulations 74 -76 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 ("the 2015 Regulations"). This allows the Council to carry out a selection process which adopts the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency and complies with procurement best practice without requiring the use of the traditional open or restricted procedure set out in the 2015 Regulations. The PSA has a broad scope of service delivery with the opportunity for many providers to be appointed. There is no limit on the number of providers who can be appointed to any of the lots under the PSA. The PSA remains open for its lifetime which allows for new providers to be added over its term, at regular intervals which will be advised by the Council. Applicants to the PSA will be evaluated in 'Phases', based on the closing date for each Phase. Following the closing of each Phase, the PSA will re-open for new applications for the next Phase.

Lot Information

Work Based Learning

Work Based Learning This lot focuses on the delivery of work-based learning programmes / qualifications which may include industry-specific training to prepare individuals for roles in key employment sectors. Training is designed to meet the current and emerging needs of local employers and industry, equipping participants with the technical knowledge and qualifications required for their chosen field. Services may include but is not limited to: The delivery of vocational qualifications e.g. SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social care or childcare, Foundation Apprenticeship level 4 or 5 in Construction / Auto engineering / Hospitality. Sector based work academies The delivery of certificated training such as Emergency First Aid, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Level 1 award, REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene, moving and handling. Pre-employment training including a blend of employability skills e.g. communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, critical or creative thinking. This lot will be procured through the Procured Services Arrangement (PSA).

Renewal: On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Targeted Support Services

Targeted Support Services This lot is aimed at delivering services targeted at individuals with multiple barriers to employment who require individually tailored support to gain employment or further learning / training. This may be delivered as individual one-to-one keyworker support or as a group-based employability programme. This lot will be procured via a Procured Services Arrangement (PSA).

Renewal: On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Health, wellbeing and financial support

Health, wellbeing and financial support This lot supports the holistic development of individuals by addressing health and wellbeing barriers that may hinder employability. Activities promote mental health, physical wellness, and resilience in the workplace. Bidders will be expected to deliver a range of services designed to address specific issues relating to health and wellbeing and specific barriers including debt and financial issues. Activity may include but is not limited to: Support to improve health and fitness Delivery of activities designed to increase engagement and confidence including arts and crafts, cultural activity Counselling and mental health support Advice and guidance relating to alcohol and drug misuse Financial advice and support Therapeutic interventions Specialist supports and interventions This lot will be procured via a Procured Service Arrangement (PSA).

Renewal: On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Other

Other Employability Services This lot serves as a flexible category to accommodate employability services and programmes that do not fall within the specific scope of Lots 1-3 but still contribute to supporting individuals towards positive employment or learning outcomes. It allows for innovative, niche, or emerging provision that addresses unique challenges or opportunities within the local labour market. This lot will be procured via a Procured Services Arrangement (PSA).

Renewal: On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d100
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067221-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

80200000 - Secondary education services

80210000 - Technical and vocational secondary education services

80211000 - Technical secondary education services

80212000 - Vocational secondary education services

80300000 - Higher education services

80310000 - Youth education services

80420000 - E-learning services

80530000 - Vocational training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Oct 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
3 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
The PSA will be published and evaluated in phases. On closing of Phase 1, the Council will publish Phase 2 with a closing date of 3 months from publication date. Bidders can apply for appointment to the PSA throughout its term. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
South Lanarkshire 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
HAMILTON
Postcode
ML3 0AA
Postcode Area
Motherwell
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM9 Southern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM95 South Lanarkshire
Delivery Location
TLM95 South Lanarkshire

Local Authority
South Lanarkshire
Electoral Ward
Hamilton North and East
Westminster Constituency
Hamilton and Clyde Valley

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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