Scope
Reference
DN799123
Description
The Authority is delivering the Connect to Work Programme as part of new Mayoral powers to convene local supported employment provision that contributes to the national Get Britain Working plan and the Local Growth Plan.
Connect to Work is a new, voluntary supported employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is the first major element of the Get Britain Working Strategy and will take a collaborative, locally led approach
It will:
• Connect local work, health, and skills support using a “place, train, maintain” model.
• Target “hidden unemployment” and disadvantaged groups.
• Deliver IPS (Individual Placement and Support) and SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) interventions with high fidelity to national models.
• Ensure equitable access through a zero-exclusions approach.
• Support at least 3,738 residents between 2025 and 2030.
The Authority, as Lead Authority and Accountable Body for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, will commission, implement, and manage Connect to Work. Delivery will align with local priorities and be supported through partnerships with health services and other stakeholders
The Authority seeks to award a single contract to an experienced Supplier to manage a specialist supply chain and deliver 3,738 Connect to Work Programme starts, along with associated job starts and outcomes, between contract commencement and 31 March 2030.
The successful Supplier will be responsible for:
• Building and managing a specialist, local supply chain of delivery partners.
• Ensuring access to, and engagement with, the targeted Connect to Work participants.
• Overall delivery of both IPS (Individual Placement and Support model) and SEQF (Support Employment Quality Framework) support to the IPS and SEQF fidelity scales2 at the required volumes and profiles as detailed in this Specification.
Contract 1. Connect to Work Programme
Supplier
Contract value
- £12,291,042 excluding VAT
- £14,749,250.40 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
19 February 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
19 February 2026
Earliest date the contract will be signed
3 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 March 2026 to 30 March 2028
- Possible extension to 30 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
From 31st March 2026 for 24 months + 12 months + 12 months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 79611000 - Job search services
- 79634000 - Career guidance services
- 80521000 - Training programme services
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
Information about tenders
- 5 tenders received
- 1 tender assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Tenders
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
Cambridgeshire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJVB-3262-VGVJ
New Shire Hall Emery Crescent Enterprise Campus
Huntingdon
PE28 4YE
United Kingdom
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Connect to Work Programme
Contracting authority
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBXV-5726-VWGJ
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, 2nd floor, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street
Huntingdon
PE29 3TN
United Kingdom
Contact name: CPCA Procurement
Telephone: +44 1480277180
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government