Scope
Reference
DN790237
Description
The commissioning of a Supported employment service using both models of Supported Employment (Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment Quality Framework) for eligible and suitable participants.
Connect to Work is a major DWP-funded programme that 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.
The Berkshire Connect to Work Programme intends to appoint a Prime Contractor to deliver the service across all six Berkshire Boroughs, with Wokingham Borough Council as Accountable Body.
Total value (estimated)
- £7,666,780 excluding VAT
- £9,200,136 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2028
- Possible extension to 30 November 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
This is a 3 year initial contract with optional extensions up to 24 months in total. An extension beyond 31 March 2030 will only be allowed, subject to additional funding being approved. Extensions to the contract are at the Accountable Body's discretion and will depend on budget availability and performance being in line with expectations.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
If further funding becomes available during the course of the contract, the Accountable Body will use the funding to increase the number of Participants in the programme to the maximum allowable under the Procurement Act 2023.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80521000 - Training programme services
Contract locations
- UKJ11 - Berkshire
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 October 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
23 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)
14 November 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality Weighting |
Quality | 80% |
| Price | Price Weighting |
Price | 20% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Contract may need to be amended at any time if DWP increases or reduces/withdraws funding. This may happen if performance does not meet expectations, or exceeds expectations.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The justification for not publishing a PME is that this engagement was undertaken prior to PA2023 going live where this requirement was not in place.
We have undertaken informal market engagement across Berkshire and held sessions for large and small providers to help shape and inform our decision making around project design:
• Berkshire Cluster has held events on the design of the programme and provided an opportunity to identify potential providers.
• These sessions have helped us to shape our delivery plan, in its current form with one Prime Contractor, subcontracting, where appropriate, with smaller, local and specialist provision. The reasons for this included:
• Capacity and resources across the 6 Local Authorities
• Geography of the area
• Size and scale of the project
• Current provision
Contracting authority
Wokingham Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNTM-6852-HGRP
Civic Offices, Shute End
Wokingham
RG40 1BN
United Kingdom
Contact name: Mr Keith Robertson
Telephone: +44 1182379133
Email: keith.robertson@wokingham.gov.uk
Website: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government