Planning

Employers: System Engagement, Inclusion & Redesign

NORTH EAST COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

15 May 2026 at 13:30

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The North East Combined Authority has initiated the planning stage for a procurement process titled "Employers: System Engagement, Inclusion & Redesign." This project, projected to benefit employers in the North East region, focuses on fostering inclusive recruitment practices and bolstering inclusivity and diversity within the workforce. Classified under adult and other education services, the procurement applies an open procedure with accelerated measures. Potential suppliers are encouraged to prepare for electronic submissions in English by the tender deadline of 6th July 2026. The project carries a gross value estimate of £480,000 and is scheduled to start on 1st September 2026, ending on 31st March 2027.

This procurement notice presents a robust opportunity for businesses specialising in educational services or diversity and inclusion consultancy, particularly those with a focus on workforce development and regional economic initiatives. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are highly suitable to apply given the suitability criteria outlined. The project seeks to integrate real-world insights from individuals with lived experience, thus offering firms the chance to contribute to meaningful social change while expanding their business ventures within the North East's unique economic landscape.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Employers: System Engagement, Inclusion & Redesign

Notice Description

Building on learning from Year 1 of the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer and Connect to Work programmes, alongside wider disability and neuroinclusion insight, the North East Combined Authority is considering the commissioning of a single project to provide support for employers across the region. The proposed project would seek to deliver a cohesive pathway of support for employers, covering inclusive recruitment practices and progressing through to the effective embedding of inclusion and diversity within the existing North East workforce. A core principle of the proposed approach is the meaningful involvement of individuals with lived experience, to help ensure that any project design is informed by real world insight and supports practical, deliverable change. Subject to approval and further development, the project is expected to deliver direct benefits for North East CA SHINE members and to align with the Authority's wider strategic objectives, including the "home of real opportunity". Learning and outputs may also inform related initiatives such as Connect to Work, the North East Vanguard, and any future employer focused activity. This notice is issued for transparency purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to commence a procurement exercise or award a contract.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069a1b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044951-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement 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

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80400000 - Adult and other education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 May 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
6 Jul 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
26 Jun 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTH EAST COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE4 5BZ
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC14 Durham, TLC2 Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear
Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Arthur's Hill
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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