Scope
Description
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is looking for a provider to deliver under contract, the Supported Employment Quality Framework element of LCR's Connect to Work Connect programme. The value of the SEQF fund is an estimated £11,000,000.
Connect to Work will be a key component of the LCR's plans to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity across the Liverpool City Region. It will also contribute to the Metro Mayor's election manifesto pledge to, 'grow the Liverpool City Region economy'. SEQF will give particular attention to helping residents who because of their situation, are more likely to face significant disadvantage when trying to gain employment.
The event will be an opportunity for you to:
· understand the LCRCA's intentions for Connect to Work.
· be told how Connect to Work links to the LCR's plans for employment, education and skills.
· better understand the role SEQF will play.
· be told about the process LCRCA will be following to procure a provider for the SEQF programme.
Delivery of LCR's SEQF programme will commence on 01 April 2026.
The market engagement events will be held on:
· Online Market Engagement 1 - LCR SEQF Procurement, Tuesday 2nd December 2025, via Teams. Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lcr-combined-authority-seqf-procurement-market-engagement-tickets-1974707862374?aff=oddtdtcreator
· Online Market Engagement 1 - LCR SEQF Procurement, Thursday 4th December 2025, via Teams. Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lcr-combined-authority-seqf-procurement-market-engagement-tickets-1974749988374?aff=oddtdtcreator
Total value (estimated)
- £1,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKD7 - Merseyside
Engagement
Engagement deadline
4 December 2025
Engagement process description
We will be hosting 2 market engagement events and these will be held on- line through eventbrite further details below:
· Online Market Engagement 1 - LCR SEQF Procurement, Tuesday 2nd December 2025, via Teams. Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lcr-combined-authority-seqf-procurement-market-engagement-tickets-1974707862374?aff=oddtdtcreator
· Online Market Engagement 1 - LCR SEQF Procurement, Thursday 4th December 2025, via Teams. Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lcr-combined-authority-seqf-procurement-market-engagement-tickets-1974749988374?aff=oddtdtcreator
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
5 January 2026
Contracting authority
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNDZ-8253-CJJM
1 Mann Island
Liverpool
L3 1BP
United Kingdom
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government