Scope
Reference
OPEN20252060
Description
The Create Talent Programme is an innovative, industry led skills programme that will support the North East's thriving creative sector, focusing on the music, arts, writing and publishing and the screen industry. The programme will play a key part in delivering the Mayor and Cabinet's mission 'Home to a growing and vibrant economy for all', providing our workforce with the right skills and training to build an inclusive and competitive economy.
The programme will provide sector-leading, inclusive and needs-led pathways for aspiring creatives, encouraging people of all ages from diverse backgrounds to aspire to a career in the creative sector. Alongside this, it will support freelancers and enterprises to develop high-level skills in creative practices. By focusing on identified skills needs and transferable skills, it will equip our freelance community with the fundamental skills to build, sustain and grow their practice as effective freelancers employed in the creative sector.
This procurement opportunity is seeking delivery partnerships led by creative industry specialists, provision must combine practical experience with theoretical knowledge and be delivered in real work environments (e.g., studios, writing hubs) alongside community venues.
In the partnership arrangement, a lead provider will be responsible for coordinating delivery across all partners, ensuring that the target number of participants is supported and that the allocated funding is utilised effectively and in line with programme objectives.
Total value (estimated)
- £3,950,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 February 2026 to 6 February 2029
- 3 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
- UKC2 - Northumberland and Tyne and Wear
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
28 December 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
9 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Open reference number: OPEN20252060
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
6 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 90% |
| Price | Price | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
http://www.open-uk.org
Documents available reference number OPEN20252060
Contracting authority
North East Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJMR-6594-BRGH
The Lumen, St James' Boulevard
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 5BZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government