Scope
Reference
OPEN 2025424
Description
A key part of the new Government's mission to kick-start growth is a commitment to building an inclusive and thriving labour market where everyone has the opportunity of good work, and the chance to get on at work. This will improve living standards and ensure funding for vital public services. It is also central to delivering on missions to break down the barriers to opportunity, and to improve the health of the nation.
As part of this mission, the Government has set a long-term ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate. This would place the UK among the highest performing countries in the world, with the equivalent of over two million more people in work.
The recently launched "Get Britain Working" White Paper outlines Government's strategy to invest £240m to support this ambition 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. The strategy will bring fundamental reform that transforms relationships with local areas and ensures a strong foundation of partnership working to support people into good, sustainable work.
Connect to Work is the first major element of the Get Britain Working Strategy. It will take a collaborative, locally led approach to tackling 'Hidden Unemployment'. It will help connect local work, health and skills support. The funding provides a coherent, systematic and joined up approach to maximise the benefits available for individuals and local communities.
Connect to Work will support the wider development of locally planned systems to drive growth, working jointly with the Government. It will be an important strand in local plans to tackle inactivity and expand employment opportunity. 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.
Total value (estimated)
- £30,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2025 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years, 10 months
Description of possible extension:
2.3 The initial term of a Contract for Service is anticipated to start in August 2025 and will run until 31 March 2028. The North East CA may extend that Contract Term for 24 months to 31 March 2030 subject to funding and contract performance.
Main procurement 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
Enquiry deadline
14 April 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
22 April 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Project No: OPEN2025424
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 June 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 80% |
| Price | Price | 20% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open 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
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government