- Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work
- Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire
- Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire
- Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire
- Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
- Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire
- Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire
- Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire
- Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support
- Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire
- Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire
- Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire
Scope
Reference
PL24.173
Description
n Spring 2024, Government launched a programme to support people who are economically inactive due to health conditions, disability or complex barriers back to work. The supported employment programme, entitled Connect to Work, is being launched by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in partnership with local authority clusters, to provide specific support targeted at the right people, at the right time and based on an individual's circumstances.
Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) are committed to delivering the Connect to Work scheme across Greater Lincolnshire via a combination of in-house and external partner support.
LCC are seeking to launch an Open Framework for the provision for the Connect to Work programme.
The Open Framework will be accessible to the following public sector bodies:
- Lincolnshire County Council
- North East Lincolnshire Council
- North Lincolnshire Council
Connect to Work is the first programme under the Government's new Get Britain Working Strategy. The programme will be a voluntary, high-fidelity Supported Employment programme, connecting work, health and skills support across all of England and Wales. For full details please see the Connect to Work Grant Guidance paragraphs 1 to 7 as published on Gov.uk here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/connect-to-work
The aim of the Open Framework for the Connect to Work Programme is to seek suitable providers to support in the successful delivery of the Greater Lincolnshire programme expectations which is currently anticipated at around £7.5 Million per year for three years; and aims to support roughly 2,200 eligible participants per year. Appointed providers will be required to adhere to the principles and five stages of the Supported Employment Model as set out by the Department for Work and Pensions. Full details of the Supported Employment Model along with the Council's requirements can be found in Document 2: Specification.
The Framework will run for a period of four years commencing 1st November 2025. There will be an option for the Council to extend the Contract by a period of up to a further four years. It is anticipated that the Framework will be opened up annually to allow new market entrants to join.
Details of estimated expenditure or potential future uptake are given in good faith as a guide to anticipated funding provided by Department for Work and Pensions. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee and do not form part of a Contract.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £30,000,000 excluding VAT
- £32,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2029
- Possible extension to 31 October 2033
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
The Open Framework is anticipated to run for four (4) years from 1 November 2025, with optional extensions of up to a further four years at the Council's discretion.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
Contract locations
- UKF3 - Lincolnshire
Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work
Description
This will cover all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.
Lot value (estimated)
- £750,000 excluding VAT
- £1,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire
Description
This will cover Lincolnshire and all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.
Lot value (estimated)
- £7,000,000 excluding VAT
- £7,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire
Description
This will cover North Lincolnshire and all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire
Description
This will cover North East Lincolnshire all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,700,000 excluding VAT
- £1,900,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
Description
SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers.
Lot value (estimated)
- £750,000 excluding VAT
- £1,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire
Description
SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers within Lincolnshire.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,200,000 excluding VAT
- £1,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire
Description
SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers within North Lincolnshire.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £950,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire
Description
SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers within North East Lincolnshire.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support
Description
Open to all eligible and suitable participants who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.
Lot value (estimated)
- £750,000 excluding VAT
- £1,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire
Description
Open to all eligible and suitable participants within Lincolnshire who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.
Lot value (estimated)
- £600,000 excluding VAT
- £750,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire
Description
Open to all eligible and suitable participants within North Lincolnshire who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.
Lot value (estimated)
- £100,000 excluding VAT
- £125,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire
Description
Open to all eligible and suitable participants within North East Lincolnshire who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.
Lot value (estimated)
- £150,000 excluding VAT
- £175,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
31 October 2033
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The aim of the Open Framework for the Connect to Work Programme is to seek suitable providers to support in the successful delivery of the Greater Lincolnshire programme expectations.
The Open Framework will be procured and maintained by Lincolnshire County Council (the Council). The Open Framework will be accessible to the following public sector bodies:
- Lincolnshire County Council
- North East Lincolnshire Council
- North Lincolnshire Council
To enable providers to be awarded the schemes which most suit their skills and expertise, the framework has been divided into three separate Lots, each Lot divided into further Sub-Lots based on Greater Lincolnshire geography. Each Lot has a specific scope detailing the work likely to be delivered and these are detailed below.
• Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work
This will cover all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.
o Lot 1 (a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire
o Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire
o Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire
• Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers.
o Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire
o Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire
o Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire
• Lot 3 In Work Retention Support
Open to all eligible and suitable participants who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.
o Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire
o Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire
o Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire
It is anticipated that most Call-Off contracts will be awarded via Further Competitions. The Further Competition procedure will include all Service Providers within the appropriate Lot or Sub-Lot who will be afforded the opportunity to tender for the work. It is expected that Service Providers will respond to the majority of opportunities and must notify the Council of the specific reasons should they not do so.
While most Call-Off Order Contracts will be awarded through Further Competitions, the participating councils reserve the right to make a Direct Award under the Open Framework, subject to at least one of the following conditions being met:
• The Provider is the sole suitable provider for a specific delivery requirement (e.g., geographic coverage, specialist provision).
• There is a genuine urgency or time-limited funding requirement that precludes a full Further Competition.
• The requirement is a continuation or expansion of a successful existing contract where a change of provider would lead to disruption or inefficiency.
• The estimated value of the Call-Off Order is below the government's published goods and services financial threshold.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
- Lincolnshire County Council
- North East Lincolnshire Council
- North Lincolnshire Council
Contracting authority location restrictions
- UKF3 - Lincolnshire
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work
Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire
Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire
Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire
Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire
Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire
Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire
Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support
Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire
Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire
Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
23 September 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
6 October 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 October 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work
Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire
Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire
Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire
Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire
Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire
Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Case of Need | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
| Participant Engagement and Support | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
| Employer Engagement | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
| Fidelity Model | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
Weighting description
Quality Pass/ Fail
Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support
Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire
Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire
Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Case of Need | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
| Participant Engagement and Support | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
| Employer Engagement | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
| In Work Retention | Pass/ Fail |
Quality |
Weighting description
Quality Pass/ Fail
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=97476813-d288-f011-813a-005056b64545&fromProjectDashboard=True
The tender documents are available via the Pro-Contract website.
Contracting authority
Lincolnshire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGRB-3736-CHZN
County Offices, Newland
Lincoln
LN1 1YL
United Kingdom
Contact name: Lucy Reed
Email: Procurement.Lincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Website: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government