---
title: "Connect to Work - (Revised Version)"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-069576"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-069576"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069576.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069576.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL"
published: "2026-05-11"
---

# Connect to Work - (Revised Version)

Buyer: HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-069576

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## Summary

The procurement process titled "Connect to Work - (Revised Version)" is initiated by Hartlepool Borough Council in collaboration with Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton on Tees, and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Councils. This process, categorised under education and training services, aims to support individuals with disabilities, health conditions, and complex barriers in gaining and retaining employment. The open procedure method is being used for procurement, with the current stage being the tendering phase. Key deadlines include a tender submission end date of 15 June 2026 and an expected award decision by 20 July 2026. The programme is primarily concentrated in the Tees Valley area within the UK and involves different geographical lots covering regions such as UKC1, UKC11, UKC12, and UKC13.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in employment support services, especially those with expertise in the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) models. The contract envisions the creation of strong consortia led by a main provider, integrating multiple stakeholders to deliver high-quality employment supports. Given the focus on education and training services, organisations with previous experience in such areas and a proficient approach to delivery and subcontractor management would be well-suited to compete. Further, the opportunity to renew the contract up to March 2030, contingent on funding and performance, offers potential for sustained growth and development within this sector.

## Notice

Connect to Work is a voluntary local supported employment programme launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and funded by the UK Government. The contract will provide support to: Disabled people People with health conditions and Individuals with Complex Barriers to move into and maintain Employment.

### Lot Information

Lot 1 - Tees Valley (SEQF Only)

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042897-2026 |
| Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 11 May 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 15 Jun 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Aug 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £5,253,430 |
| Lots value | £5,253,430 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL |
| Additional buyers | DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL; MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL; 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 | TLC1 Tees Valley and Durham, 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

- 11 May 2026 at 10:38 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042897-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042897-2026
  11th May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

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

## 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-069576. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069576.json.