Scope
Description
Herefordshire Council is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) for the purpose of establishing whether there are any organisations that are interested in delivering the Connect to Work programme in Herefordshire.
Connect to Work is a new employment programme, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The programme will primarily support people who are disabled and economically inactive. It will focus on vocational profiling, early engagement with employers and supporting people into work quickly. Ongoing support is then provided to the participant and their employer to help sustain them in work. The programme also involves flexibility to support adults at risk of unemployment due to complex needs to be supported to sustain and improve their employment.
Herefordshire Council will be working in partnership with Shropshire Council (who is the Accountable Body for the Marches geographic area responsible for Connect to Work) on the commissioning, implementation and management of this exciting programme which will support up to 599 residents in Herefordshire over the expected 5-year programme (subject to government spending reviews).
There will be 2 Lots:
Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
Lot 2 - Local Supported Employment Services (SEQF)
Our ambition is to deliver this programme in partnership with one high-quality provider for each Lot who can meet set annual targets for supporting economically inactive adults across Herefordshire into work delivering the IPS and SEQF elements of the programme.
We anticipate contracts will be awarded and commence from December 2025 with service commencement (referrals and starts on programme) from January 2026.
For this RFI, we are keen hear from providers who have previously or are currently delivering supported employment programmes and those interested in supporting the delivery of Connect to Work.
Closing date for responses: Wednesday 06 August 2025 at 12:00
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
- Possible extension to 31 December 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79611000 - Job search services
- 79634000 - Career guidance services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKG11 - Herefordshire, County of
Engagement
Engagement deadline
6 August 2025
Engagement process description
Herefordshire Council has published this Request for Information on the 'Supplying the Southwest Portal', project reference DN783822. To view the documentation related to this opportunity you will need to register on the portal if you are not already registered with Procontract and express an interest in the opportunity.
To register with Procontract on the Supplying the Southwest Portal, click on the link below or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk
Closing date for responses: Wednesday 06 August 2025 at 12:00
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
29 August 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Herefordshire Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDTG-2978-LHCN
Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane
Hereford
HR4 0LE
United Kingdom
Region: UKG11 - Herefordshire, County of
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Shropshire Council
Summary of their role in this procurement: Accountable Body for the Marches geographic area responsible for Connect to Work
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCLL-9577-QDZW
Guildhall, Frankwell Quay
Shrewsbury
SY3 8HQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKG22 - Shropshire CC