This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

17 Jun 2026 at 10:55

Planning

19 May 2026 at 06:51

Summary of the contracting process

Gloucestershire County Council is initiating the tender process for the Gloucestershire Adult Skills Programme 2026-2027. This procurement focuses on delivering courses for community and adult education services. The process is in the tender stage with a submission deadline set for 3rd July 2026. With a projected contract value not exceeding £250,000, this opportunity spans four lots: First Steps, Employability, Adults with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (ALDD) training, and Local Flex. These services will predominantly be delivered in the UKK13 region. The open procedure method is employed under a light-touch regime, allowing submissions in English via the Central Digital Platform (CDP). The tender period will conclude by 31st August 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses, especially those specialising in adult education and vocational training. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly well-suited to apply, given the emphasis on quality and SME suitability criteria. Companies can bid for multiple lots, offering potential for diverse involvement aligning with Gloucestershire's local skills improvement demands. Engaging in this procurement could enhance market presence and establish lasting relationships with local authorities, fostering business growth and contributing to the community's educational objectives.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Gloucestershire Adult Skills Programme 2026 - 2027

Notice Description

Gloucestershire County is seeking suppliers to deliver a series of courses for the Community and Adult skills programme 2026-2027. The contracts are expected to last no longer than 12 months, ending July 2026. The total value of the contracts for 2026/ 2027 will not exceed PS250,000. There are 4 Lots. Lots 1 First Steps Lot 2 Employability Lot 3 Adults with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (ALDD) training Lot 4 Local Flex (Responding to identified/emerging local training needs) There will be the option for two further one year extensions, 1 plus 1, plus 1, subject to contract review and DfE funding Organisations must register on the Central Digital Platform (CDP)

Lot Information

First Steps

Programmes which engage and progress low skilled and low waged or unemployed adults ultimately to Employability courses accredited learning or employment Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Lot 1 is PS130,000 for Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to DfE approved funding.

Renewal: Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to funding. Ending July 2029.

Employability

These courses must give learners the skills and knowledge they need to gain employment self employment volunteering or to take up a vocational accredited course Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Lot 2 is PS50,000 for Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to DfE approved funding.

Renewal: Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to funding. Ending July 2029.

Adults with Learning Difficulties and or Disabilities ALDD training

Providers must challenge these learners to improve their communication skills and make relevant personal choices and decisions and to develop skills that help them become more independent in their everyday life Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Lot 3 is PS50,000 for Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to DfE approved funding.

Renewal: Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to funding. Ending July 2029.

Local Flex Responding to identified emerging local training needs

Provision must directly respond to Local Skills Improvement Plan LSIP priorities and emerging employer demand within Gloucestershire Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Lot 4 is PS20,000 for Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to DfE approved funding.

Renewal: Subject to contract review and DfE funding. Initial contract up to 12 months as per approved funding. There will be the option for two further one year extensions subject to funding. Ending July 2029.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069b7d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057051-2026
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

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80400000 - Adult and other education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£750,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£750,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jun 20264 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
3 Jul 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
3 Jun 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Sep 2026 - 31 Jul 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY 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
GLOUCESTER
Postcode
GL1 2TG
Post Town
Gloucester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK73 Gloucestershire CC
Delivery Location
TLK13 Gloucestershire CC

Local Authority
Gloucester
Electoral Ward
Westgate
Westminster Constituency
Gloucester

Further Information

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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