---
title: "RFP - The Supply of IPS/SEQF Services under Connect to Work in Cumbria England"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-68e9ce19-d5a8-416c-8726-6b9f56b3923a"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-68e9ce19-d5a8-416c-8726-6b9f56b3923a"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-68e9ce19-d5a8-416c-8726-6b9f56b3923a.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-68e9ce19-d5a8-416c-8726-6b9f56b3923a.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "FEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITED"
published: "2025-09-10"
---

# RFP - The Supply of IPS/SEQF Services under Connect to Work in Cumbria England

Buyer: FEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITED  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-68e9ce19-d5a8-416c-8726-6b9f56b3923a

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## Summary

The contracting process is currently at the planning stage, initiated by Fedcap Employment Limited for the "RFP - The Supply of IPS/SEQF Services under Connect to Work in Cumbria England." This open procedure tender, placed under the general public services category with additional focus on supporting and recruitment services, is set to address economic inactivity and improve employment opportunities in Cumbria. Cumberland Council is leading this procurement on behalf of both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils. The program's intent is to support local communities through methods such as Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). The procurement process is planned to commence on 6th January 2026 and extend until 31st March 2028, covering the entire Cumbria region with equal access for all residents.

This procurement presents significant business opportunities, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) that can provide local knowledge and demonstrate expertise in employment support models like IPS and SEQF. By participating, businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive growth and tapping into the local capacity of Cumbria. Fedcap is open to collaboration, seeking potential delivery partners with a deep understanding of the local environment and the ability to contribute to the community's economic development. This tender not only aligns with supporting employment but also encourages innovation and partnership with local enterprises that bring unique value to the service delivery.

## Notice

Connect to Work aims to address 'Hidden Unemployment' through a collaborative, locally driven approach, helping local communities to unlock their potential and contribute to both local and national growth. Quality employment is known to positively impact physical and mental health, providing income, social interaction, and a sense of purpose. Connect to Work is a voluntary program designed to tackle economic inactivity by providing targeted support to individuals based on their specific circumstances. It focuses on helping disabled people, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment. The program uses two key Supported Employment models: the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). SEQF follows the 'place, train, and maintain' approach, ensuring participants are placed in suitable jobs, trained, and supported to maintain employment. IPS, integrates supported employment within health services/settings, particularly for those with severe mental illness or substance dependence. Eligibility for Connect to Work primarily includes individuals who are economically inactive within priority groups and wish to work. It also supports those at risk of losing their jobs who would struggle to re-enter the workforce without assistance. Cumberland Council is the local authority leading the procurement of Connect to Work Cumbria (CtW) program for Cumbria on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. The CtW service is to be delivered, equitably, across the whole of Cumbria so that every resident has equal access/opportunity to same level and quality of service regardless of place. Cumberland Council have gone to market on behalf of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Council with a tender opportunity for IPS and SEQF. The opportunity is to deliver both IPS and SEQF across the whole of Cumbria as one lot. Fedcap are looking to submit a tender for Connect to Work in Cumbria and are looking for potential delivery partners to be named in our submission. Our approach is to embrace local capacity to deliver IPS and/or SEQF services to eligible Cumbria residents and we seek partners who can bring local knowledge and relationships alongside understanding and experience of supported employment delivery models. Interested organisations should complete the below Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding working with us on this opportunity. As part of our commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and fostering diversity within our supply chain, we particularly welcome submissions from local based/operating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and/or Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). We recognise and value the innovation and local expertise that SMEs/VCSEs bring and encourage their participation in this opportunity. Additional information: Clarification and completed RFPs should be sent to partnerships@fedcap.org.uk

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9c9bb9d8-cd5b-4db2-ab09-6f25d21cb049 |
| Notice type | Planned Procurement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Not specified |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (above threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 10 Sep 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 10 Sep 2025 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 6 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planned |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | FEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITED |
| Locality | STOCKTON-ON-TEES |
| Post town | Cleveland |
| Postcode | TS17 6EX |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC3 Tees Valley |
| ITL 3 | TLC31 Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees |
| Local authority | Stockton-on-Tees |
| Electoral ward | Mandale & Victoria |
| Westminster constituency | Middlesbrough and Thornaby East |
| Delivery location | TLD North West (England) |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 75 - Administration, defence and social security services
- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
- 80 - Education and training services
- 98 - Other community, social and personal services

### Codes

- 75110000 - General public services
- 75130000 - Supporting services for the government
- 75200000 - Provision of services to the community
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 80500000 - Training services
- 98200000 - Equal opportunities consultancy services

## Release History

- 10 Sep 2025 at 14:14 - Planning - Planned Procurement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9c9bb9d8-cd5b-4db2-ab09-6f25d21cb049

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9c9bb9d8-cd5b-4db2-ab09-6f25d21cb049
  10th September 2025 - Future opportunity notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/58e9d87d-daec-41be-8c71-cce36b9e140b

## Notice URLs

- https://fedcap.org.uk/employment/our-partners/

## Provenance

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