---
title: "Connect to Work Programme"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05da00"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05da00"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05da00.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05da00.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL"
published: "2026-04-14"
---

# Connect to Work Programme

Buyer: HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05da00

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## Summary

The procurement process for the "Connect to Work Programme" involves Hartlepool Borough Council in coordination with other Tees Valley local authorities, including Darlington, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough, and Redcar & Cleveland. This open procedure tender is currently active with Hartlepool Borough Council as the lead body responsible for managing and delivering the programme across Tees Valley. The programme, funded by the UK Government, aims to support disabled individuals, people with health conditions, and those facing complex barriers to employment, enabling them to find and retain meaningful work. The tender is divided into four Lots, seeking single Lead Providers for each to deliver different employment support services in various areas. The procurement spans multiple regions in the United Kingdom (UKC11, UKC12, UKC13) within the education and training services sector, with key submission deadline on 16th April 2026, and awards expected to be finalised by 11th May 2026.

This tender represents a substantial opportunity for businesses skilled in delivering employment support services to expand their operations within the Tees Valley area. The procurement process is designed for SMEs and VCSEs, fostering inclusive competition within service categories such as education, training, health and social services, and business services. Companies adept at employing high-quality delivery models, like the Supported Employment Quality Framework and Individual Placement and Support, can leverage this contract to cultivate strong consortia, enhance service delivery quality, and expand their client base by engaging with a diverse group of individuals requiring personalised employment support. This initiative not only supports business growth but also strengthens community ties by promoting local employment and social prosperity. The tender offers opportunities for renewal up to May 2030, subject to performance and funding, encouraging long-term strategic partnerships.

## Notice

Hartlepool Borough Council (the Council) has been appointed as the Lead Body by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) for the Connect to Work Programme. As such, the Council is responsible for ensuring successful management and delivery of the programme across Tees Valley. Connect to Work is a voluntary local support employment programme launched by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and funded by the UK Government. The contract will provide support disabled people, people with health conditions and individuals with complex barriers to move into and maintain employment. The delivery has been split into 4 Lots, and the Council are seeking to contract with a single Lead Provider for each Lot. Lot 1 - Tees Valley (SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) Only) To commission a Lead Provider for the delivery of high-quality Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) provision across the whole of Tees Valley - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees. This focuses on supporting disabled people, those with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment to find sustainable work. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, fidelity to the SEQF model, and effective engagement. With 502 expected starts, this Lot represents the SEQF element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. Lot 2 - Darlington & Stockton-on-Tees (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only) To commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in-work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 452 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. Lot 3 - Middlesbrough & Redcar & Cleveland (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only) To commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement & Support (IPS) services within Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in-work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 752 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. Lot 4 - Hartlepool (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only) To commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Hartlepool. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in-work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 302 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.

### Lot Information

Lot 1 - Supported Employment Quality (SEQF) Tees Valley

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider for the delivery of high-quality Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) provision across the whole of Tees Valley - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees. This focuses on supporting disabled people, those with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment to find sustainable work. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, fidelity to the SEQF model, and effective engagement. With 502 expected starts, this Lot represents the SEQF element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.

Renewal: The Council may extend that Contract Term for 24 months to 18th May 2030 subject to funding and contract performance of the Providers.

Lot 2 - Darlington & Stockton-on-Tees (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only)

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in-work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 452 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.

Renewal: The Council may extend that Contract Term for 24 months to 18th May 2030 subject to funding and contract performance of the Providers.

Lot 3 - Middlesbrough & Redcar & Cleveland (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only)

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement & Support (IPS) services within Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in-work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 752 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.

Renewal: The Council may extend that Contract Term for 24 months to 18th May 2030 subject to funding and contract performance of the Providers.

Lot 4 - Hartlepool (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only)

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Hartlepool. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in-work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 302 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme

Renewal: The Council may extend that Contract Term for 24 months to 18th May 2030 subject to funding and contract performance of the Providers.

### Planning Information

Date/Time of event - Nov 12 from 9:30am to 11:30am GMT
Location - Trinity Centre, Market Place, North Ormesby Middlesbrough TS3 6LD
Please find the eventbrite link: https://teesvalleyconnecttowork.eventbrite.com

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033630-2026 |
| Notice type | UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning, Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 14 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 16 Apr 2026 |
| Future notice date | 12 Nov 2025 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 18 May 2026 - 18 May 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £5,722,800 |
| Lots value | £5,722,800 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL |
| Additional buyers | DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL; MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL; Missing; REDCAR AND CLEVELAND BOROUGH COUNCIL; STOCKTON ON TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL |
| Locality | HARTLEPOOL |
| Post town | Cleveland |
| Postcode | TS24 8AY |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC3 Tees Valley |
| ITL 3 | TLC32 South Teesside |
| Local authority | Redcar and Cleveland |
| Electoral ward | Coatham |
| Westminster constituency | Redcar |
| Delivery location | TLC11 Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees, TLC12 South Teesside, TLC13 Darlington |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services

### Codes

- 80000000 - Education and training services

## Release History

- 14 Apr 2026 at 09:56 - TenderCancellation - UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033630-2026
- 24 Mar 2026 at 11:49 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026726-2026
- 11 Mar 2026 at 13:52 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021786-2026
- 4 Nov 2025 at 14:35 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070884-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033630-2026
  14th April 2026 - Procurement termination notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026726-2026
  24th March 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021786-2026
  11th March 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070884-2025
  4th November 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk
- https://teesvalleyconnecttowork.eventbrite.com
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.open-uk.org/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05da00. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05da00.json.