Planning

Connect to Work - Market Engagement

  • Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-067674

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05d21a

Published 23 October 2025, 9:28am



Scope

Reference

DN795204

Description

Connect to Work Programme

Online Market Engagement Event

Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025

Time: 10:30 - 12:30

Eventbrite Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-to-work-market-engagement-tickets-1851343190319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Teams Link: Available within the Eventbrite page

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) invites interested organisations to an online market engagement session for the upcoming Connect to Work Programme.

Connect to Work is being delivered as part of new Mayoral powers to convene local supported employment provision, contributing to both the national "Get Britain Working" plan and the Local Growth Plan.

A core aim of the Government's economic growth mission is to build an inclusive labour market, improve living standards, and ensure sustainable funding for public services. Connect to Work supports the Government's ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate, forming a key component of reforms to employment support - integrating skills, health, and pathways into sustained employment.

As the Lead Authority and Accountable Body for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, CPCA will commission, implement, and manage the Connect to Work Programme. Delivery will align with local priorities and will be supported through partnerships with health services, employers, and wider system stakeholders to enhance regional awareness and collaboration.

This market engagement session will provide system partners with an update on the programme's progress and give potential Prime Providers an overview of the planned approach ahead of the formal procurement process.

This session will offer:

- An update on the programme's development and objectives.

- Insight for prospective Prime Providers and system partners ahead of the procurement launch.

- An opportunity to discuss delivery expectations and collaboration opportunities.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions - CPCA representatives

2. Programme Update - Status of Connect to Work and system development

3. Specification Overview - Key delivery themes and requirements

4. Procurement Process - Next steps and indicative timeline

5. Q&A Session

Total value (estimated)

  • £12,291,042 excluding VAT
  • £14,750,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 31 March 2030
  • 4 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 80000000 - Education and training services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 79600000 - Recruitment services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services
  • 80570000 - Personal development training services
  • 79611000 - Job search services

Contract locations

  • UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
  • UKH11 - Peterborough

Engagement

Engagement deadline

6 November 2025

Engagement process description

Connect to Work Programme

Online Market Engagement Event

Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025

Time: 10:30 - 12:30

Eventbrite Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-to-work-market-engagement-tickets-1851343190319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Teams Link: Available within the Eventbrite page

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) invites interested organisations to an online market engagement session for the upcoming Connect to Work Programme.

Connect to Work is being delivered as part of new Mayoral powers to convene local supported employment provision, contributing to both the national "Get Britain Working" plan and the Local Growth Plan.

A core aim of the Government's economic growth mission is to build an inclusive labour market, improve living standards, and ensure sustainable funding for public services. Connect to Work supports the Government's ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate, forming a key component of reforms to employment support - integrating skills, health, and pathways into sustained employment.

As the Lead Authority and Accountable Body for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, CPCA will commission, implement, and manage the Connect to Work Programme. Delivery will align with local priorities and will be supported through partnerships with health services, employers, and wider system stakeholders to enhance regional awareness and collaboration.

This market engagement session will provide system partners with an update on the programme's progress and give potential Prime Providers an overview of the planned approach ahead of the formal procurement process.

This session will offer:

- An update on the programme's development and objectives.

- Insight for prospective Prime Providers and system partners ahead of the procurement launch.

- An opportunity to discuss delivery expectations and collaboration opportunities.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions - CPCA representatives

2. Programme Update - Status of Connect to Work and system development

3. Specification Overview - Key delivery themes and requirements

4. Procurement Process - Next steps and indicative timeline

5. Q&A Session


Procedure

Special regime

Light touch


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

Email: procurement@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk

Website: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/

Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government