Scope
Description
The Authority is preparing to launch a tender for the provision of a Level 4 Youth Justice Worker Qualification on behalf of the Youth Custody Service. Through this notice the Authority is looking to engage with the current market regarding this future requirement.
The Youth Custody Service (YCS) is a specialist division within HMPPS responsible for managing the youth secure estate in England and Wales. It oversees the placement and care of children and young people aged 10 to 17 who are remanded or sentenced to custody. This includes the following secure sectors: Secure Children’s Homes (SCHs), Secure Training Centre (STC), Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) and the Secure School. The YCS aim to be a provider of high-quality children’s services, where skilled, enthusiastic staff have the tools and capability to work with children in order to meet their individual needs, so that they are better able to lead rewarding, constructive lives upon their release.
Aligned with the recommendations of the Charlie Taylor Review (2017)—which called for the professionalisation of the Youth Custody Service (YCS) workforce—we are seeking to commission a training provider to provide an accredited trauma-informed programme that is designed to enhance the skills, understanding and confidence of custody staff working with children in the secure estate. This approach should foster a deeper understanding of trauma and its behavioural impact, support the development of meaningful relationships between staff and children, and contribute to the creation of safer, more therapeutic settings focused on recovery and rehabilitation.
The requirement is for a Level 4 Youth Justice Worker Qualification to replace the current Level 4 Children, young people and families practitioner Apprenticeship. The qualification must be grounded in the principles of trauma-informed practice. The provider must demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs and experiences of children in custodial environments, and be responsive to staffing structures, roles, and capability needs within Youth Justice settings and the custodial environment specifically.
The course should deliver a structured, skills and knowledge-based learning experience for YCS staff working directly with children and young people. The content must be rooted in trauma-informed principles and evidence-based approaches to mental health and recovery within secure environments. The learning structure must align with the Youth Jsutice Skills Matrix
The contract will enable five years of enrolments and suitable time for the last cohort of learners to complete the qualficiation within the contract term. Currently 100 learners are expected to enrol during each year of enrolments, these learners are expeteced to be split equitably between YOI Feltham, YOI Werrington and YOU Wetherby.
The service commencement is estimated to start in the Spring of 2026, following the mobilisation phase which will include developing and finalising the curriculum and ensuring the course is appropriately accredited.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,960,000 excluding VAT
- £2,352,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 18 April 2026 to 17 April 2032
- 6 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
22 October 2025
Engagement process description
Market Engagement will be taking place on the dates below and will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams;
21/10/2025 – Market Engagement Presentation from YCS and MoJ Commercial 10 am - 11am
22/10/2025 – Supplier one-to-one 30 minute meetings. There will be seven slots for one-to-ones available between 9:30 and 16:30. The authority will allocate the time slots on a first come, first served basis.
Please register your interest via 'PQQ_532 - Level 4 Youth Justice Worker Qualification' in the MoJ Jaggaer Portal by no later than 20th October at 12pm. Please send a message through PQQ_532 requesting attendance at the market engagement event . Providers are limited to an attendance of two members of staff.
Please include the following detail in your message;
- Full name (s)
- Company/organisation name
- Contact details (E-mail and phone number)
- Please indicate if you would like a separate one to one session
If you do not already have a Jaggaer account please register to create an account via the following link - https://ministryofjusticecommercial.bravosolution.co.uk/
If you have any issues registering, please contact 0845 0100 132 or e-mail esourcing@justice.gov.uk.
This notice is for Information only and the Authority reserves the right to not proceed to tender. Additionally the Authority (MoJ) reserves the right to discontinue the tendering process and not to award the contract.
The information contained in this notice, including information relating to the nature and scope of the requirements, the estimated value, the service classification of this requirement or the list of CPV codes, is only indicative of current thinking and is neither exhaustive nor binding and the Authority reserves the right at it's absolute discretion to amend it at the time of issue of any further notices or at any other time. The publication of this notice in no way obliges the Authority to commence any competitive tender process. The Authority is not / shall not be liable for any costs incurred by those expressing an interest in participating in this market engagement exercise. Any contracts are subject to the relevant legal and Cabinet Office controls and policies. The Authority reserves the right to source items included through other means (e.g. an existing contract or framework).
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 December 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Ministry of Justice
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDNN-2773-HVYN
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
United Kingdom
Email: CommercialStandards@justice.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/procurement
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government