Scope
Reference
OPEN2025178
Description
This notification / Prior Information Notice (PIN) / update is intended to alert providers to an opportunity to deliver the Connect to Work programme for the North East Combined Authority (North East CA).
The e-tendering system used by the North East CA is Open. Potential applicants for Connect to Work are encouraged to register on Open as soon as possible. It is free to register and use the system.
You will need to create an account on Open to access and bid for public sector opportunities issued by the North East Combined Authority, including this Connect to Work opportunity. Visit www.open-uk.org to register an account.
The Open Hub provides resources and information to help you get the most out of Open. There is an FAQ section and a range of how-to guides so you can familiarise yourself with the system at your own pace. Visit the Open Hub to find out more, or contact open.support@nepo.org
Connect to Work
The recently launched "Get Britain Working" White Paper outlines Government's strategy to invest £240m to support the ambition of a national 80% employment rate and help improve workplace health and keep people in work, including trials of combined public services for those out of work due to ill health. Connect to Work is the first major element of the Get Britain Working Strategy.
By encouraging join-up between health systems and employment support, Connect to Work will support those, primarily, currently outside the workforce and facing greater labour market disadvantages, to stay in work and get back into work. In turn, supporting the Government's ambition for a more inclusive economy, supporting local people to realise their potential and supporting local and national growth. Connect to Work funding will support around 100,000 disabled people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to get into employment and on in work. In the North East, Connect to Work will support 13,500 residents across the entirety of the programme.
The North East Combined Authority is the Accountable Body for Connect to Work in the North East and, working in partnership with the seven constituent local authorities, is responsible for the commissioning of Connect to Work delivery.
Connect to Work is a voluntary programme, delivering the evidence-based Supported Employment model, 'place, train, and maintain', via two different types of interventions based on the needs of the participant - Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Local Supported Employment (LSE). This opportunity relates to the IPS intervention only.
Commercial tool
Establishes a dynamic market
Total value (estimated)
- £30,000,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2025 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years, 8 months
Main category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75131000 - Government services
- 79634000 - Career guidance services
- 80521000 - Training programme services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
20 March 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
North East Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJMR-6594-BRGH
The Lumen, St James' Boulevard
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 5BZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Diane Stobbs
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government