Scope
Reference
DN801582
Description
Cambridge City Council seeks a service provider that will deliver an employability skills and advice programme that:
• Understands the challenges refugee families face due to issues such as the benefit cap, meaning that refugees may need to take on entry-level positions alongside completing training for financial stability, before progressing to high-skilled employment positions
• Carries out an initial assessment to gage individual skill profiles, including their employment history, qualifications, and interests
• Provides tailored support based on the clients current English level, providing interpreting support where required
• Identifies and facilitates access to relevant training and qualifications (such as IELTS or vocational courses)
• Provides clients with essentials they will need to navigate life in the UK, such support to create a CV, digital skills training, employment rights, etc.
• Supports clients to apply for jobs, provides interview preparation, and monitors progress and learning
• Where clients have existing qualifications, supports them to have these converted and recognised in the UK (such as ENIC) so that they can resume previous career pathways, reducing a sense of hopelessness and lost time
• Builds links with employers in Cambridge to provide employment and volunteering opportunities
The service will be primarily aimed at people living in Cambridge city and South Cambridgeshire who have travelled under the following Government schemes:
o Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP)
o UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)
o Homes for Ukraine (HfU) and Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE)
Regional and local authority data on some of these groups can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/immigration-system-statistics-regional-and-local-authority-data
However, needs may change overtime and therefore it is important that the supplier is able to effectively work with any refugee or asylum-seeking group. The supplier will recognise that world events can quickly influence what is required and who may need to access a service. The service must be flexible to needs and demonstrate a sound understanding of different customs and cultures and delivering a service to people who have experienced trauma.
Total value (estimated)
- £40,000 excluding VAT
- £48,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2029
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
continuation of services
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80500000 - Training services
- 98200000 - Equal opportunities consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
2 February 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
9 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
Quality and Price
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=fdb30cf8-4adf-f011-813c-005056b64545&fromProjectDashboard=True
Contracting authority
Cambridge City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCBT-6819-NDPJ
The Guildhall
Cambridge
CB2 1BY
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@cambridge.gov.uk
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government