Award

Open Framework for the Connect to Work Programme across Greater Lincolnshire

  • Lincolnshire County Council

UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-079556

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04e7dc (view related notices)

Published 4 December 2025, 8:51am



Scope

Reference

PL24.173

Description

In Spring 2024, Government launched a programme to support people who are economically inactive due to health conditions, disability or complex barriers back to work. The supported employment programme, entitled Connect to Work, is being launched by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in partnership with local authority clusters, to provide specific support targeted at the right people, at the right time and based on an individual's circumstances.

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) are committed to delivering the Connect to Work scheme across Greater Lincolnshire via a combination of in-house and external partner support.

LCC are seeking to launch an Open Framework for the provision for the Connect to Work programme.

The Open Framework will be accessible to the following public sector bodies:

- Lincolnshire County Council

- North East Lincolnshire Council

- North Lincolnshire Council

Connect to Work is the first programme under the Government's new Get Britain Working Strategy. The programme will be a voluntary, high-fidelity Supported Employment programme, connecting work, health and skills support across all of England and Wales. For full details please see the Connect to Work Grant Guidance paragraphs 1 to 7 as published on Gov.uk here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/connect-to-work

The aim of the Open Framework for the Connect to Work Programme is to seek suitable providers to support in the successful delivery of the Greater Lincolnshire programme expectations which is currently anticipated at around £7.5 Million per year for three years; and aims to support roughly 2,200 eligible participants per year. Appointed providers will be required to adhere to the principles and five stages of the Supported Employment Model as set out by the Department for Work and Pensions. Full details of the Supported Employment Model along with the Council's requirements can be found in Document 2: Specification.

The Framework will run for a period of four years commencing 1st November 2025. There will be an option for the Council to extend the Contract by a period of up to a further four years. It is anticipated that the Framework will be opened up annually to allow new market entrants to join.

Details of estimated expenditure or potential future uptake are given in good faith as a guide to anticipated funding provided by Department for Work and Pensions. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee and do not form part of a Contract.

Commercial tool

Establishes an open framework


Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Description

This will cover all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.


Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire

Description

This will cover Lincolnshire and all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.


Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire

Description

This will cover North Lincolnshire and all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.


Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire

Description

This will cover North East Lincolnshire all other eligible economically inactive participants, with assessment having a primary focus on providers' ability, experience and readiness to integrate with relevant partners to their preferred participant groups for example, healthcare or veterans' support groups.


Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Description

SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers.


Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire

Description

SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers within Lincolnshire.


Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire

Description

SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers within North Lincolnshire.


Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire

Description

SEQF Lot for those eligible and suitable economically inactive participants with Learning Difficulties or Autism and Care Leavers within North East Lincolnshire.


Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support

Description

Open to all eligible and suitable participants who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.


Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire

Description

Open to all eligible and suitable participants within Lincolnshire who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.


Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire

Description

Open to all eligible and suitable participants within North Lincolnshire who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.


Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire

Description

Open to all eligible and suitable participants within North East Lincolnshire who are employed and at risk of dropping out of work due to their health condition, disability or other eligible condition. Procurement for this lot will require knowledge and experience of employment law, providing appropriate employer support and knowledge of and access to support structures available to employees, for example occupational health.


Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Lots

Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire

Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire

Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire

Suppliers (16)

Contract value

  • £75,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

3 December 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

3 December 2025

Standstill period

  • End: 15 December 2025
  • 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

16 December 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 22 December 2025 to 31 October 2029
  • Possible extension to 31 October 2033
  • 7 years, 10 months, 10 days

Description of possible extension:

The Council may extend this Agreement after the end of the Initial Contract Period, for a further period of up to 4 years.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 79600000 - Recruitment services

Contract locations

  • UKF3 - Lincolnshire

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Lots

Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire

Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire

Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire

Suppliers (11)

Contract value

  • £7,500,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

3 December 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

3 December 2025

Standstill period

  • End: 15 December 2025
  • 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

16 December 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 22 December 2025 to 31 October 2029
  • Possible extension to 31 October 2033
  • 7 years, 10 months, 10 days

Description of possible extension:

The Council may extend this Agreement after the end of the Initial Contract Period, for a further period of up to 4 years.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 79600000 - Recruitment services

Contract locations

  • UKF3 - Lincolnshire

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Lots

Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support

Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire

Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire

Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire

Suppliers (11)

Contract value

  • £7,500,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

3 December 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

3 December 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

16 December 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 22 December 2025 to 31 October 2029
  • Possible extension to 31 October 2033
  • 7 years, 10 months, 10 days

Description of possible extension:

The Council may extend this Agreement after the end of the Initial Contract Period, for a further period of up to 4 years.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 79600000 - Recruitment services

Contract locations

  • UKF3 - Lincolnshire

Information about tenders

Lot 1. Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

  • 16 tenders received
  • 16 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 16 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 16 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 1A. Lot 1(a) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work Lincolnshire

  • 16 tenders received
  • 16 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 16 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 16 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 1B. Lot 1 (b) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North Lincolnshire

  • 16 tenders received
  • 16 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 16 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 16 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 1C. Lot 1 (c) Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work North East Lincolnshire

  • 16 tenders received
  • 16 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 16 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 16 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 2. Lot 2 Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 2A. Lot 2 (a) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) Lincolnshire

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 2B. Lot 2 (b) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North Lincolnshire

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 2C. Lot 2 (c) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) North East Lincolnshire

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot Lot 3. Lot 3 In Work Retention Support

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 3A. Lot 3 (a) In Work Retention Support Lincolnshire

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 3B. Lot 3 (b) In Work Retention Support North Lincolnshire

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Lot 3C. Lot 3 (c) In Work Retention Support North East Lincolnshire

  • 11 tenders received
  • 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 11 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 11 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure

Special regime

Light touch


Suppliers

Ayden Sims

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXJX-3994-HQZW

249 Silbury Boulevard

Milton Keynes

MK9 1NA

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ12 - Milton Keynes

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Centre4 Ltd

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDCV-7992-MXPR

Centre4 17a Wootton Road

Grimsby

DN33 1HE

United Kingdom

Region: UKE13 - North and North East Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) CIC

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXWM-2226-ZPZG

Acis House

Gainsborough

DN21 1GG

United Kingdom

Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

EAN Consultants Limited

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWHQ-6996-ZYXV

11 Scotgrange Meadow

Shefford

SG17 5PU

United Kingdom

Region: UKH25 - Central Bedfordshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Education Development Trust

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGLH-1935-LTPG

Highbridge House, 16-18 Duke Street

Reading

RG1 4RU

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Grantham College

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPDR-6933-XHHH

Stonebridge Road

Grantham

NG31 9AP

United Kingdom

Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

INCLUSIVE MEDIA SOLUTIONS LTD

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGMT-2366-VRBD

Lytchett House 13 Freeland Park,

Poole

BH16 6FA

United Kingdom

Region: UKK25 - Dorset

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Inspire Education Group

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJNP-6361-TPWJ

Park Crescent

Peterborough

PE1 4DZ

United Kingdom

Region: UKH11 - Peterborough

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Learning4life-GY

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHWY-6555-ZDLY

155-159 Freeman Street

Grimsby

DN32 7AP

United Kingdom

Region: UKE13 - North and North East Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Momentum Technical College

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXQT-6669-BBRH

Unit Metis, Scotland Street

Sheffield

S3 7AT

United Kingdom

Region: UKE32 - Sheffield

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

NAViGO Health and Social Care CIC

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBTL-4561-BTLW

Navigo House, 3-7 Brighowgate

Grimsby

DN32 0QE

United Kingdom

Region: UKE13 - North and North East Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Ongo Recruitment

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMDY-8393-HNVD

Ongo House, High Street

Scunthorpe

DN15 6AT

United Kingdom

Region: UKE13 - North and North East Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Riverside Access and Training Centre Gainsborough

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVBG-7395-NHQJ

Acis House

Gainsborough

DN21 1GG

United Kingdom

Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Standguide Limited

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXVG-4195-YZCQ

Unit G.01 Clarence Arcade

Ashton-under-Lyne

OL6 7PT

United Kingdom

Region: UKD35 - Greater Manchester South East

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

TEC Partnership

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCJJ-5724-XHGM

Grimsby Institute, Laceby Road,

Grimsby

DN34 5BQ

United Kingdom

Region: UKE13 - North and North East Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

The Growth Company Limited

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLRD-7665-DLPV

Lee House

Manchester

M1 5JW

United Kingdom

Region: UKD33 - Manchester

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

The Shaw Trust

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDDX-5177-LHBW

Black Country House, Rounds Green Road,

Oldbury

B69 2DG

United Kingdom

Region: UKG37 - Sandwell

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Tonic Health

  • Charity Commission (England and Wales): 1167453

6 Broadgate House

Spalding

PE11 2AF

United Kingdom

Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support

Triage Central Ltd

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGYR-4561-XQMT

Earlsgate House

Stirling

FK8 2HE

United Kingdom

Region: UKM77 - Perth & Kinross and Stirling

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Lot 1 Individual Placement and Supported (IPS) Out of Work

Contract 2. Lot 2 - Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)

Contract 3. Lot 3 - In Work Retention Support


Contracting authority

Lincolnshire County Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGRB-3736-CHZN

County Offices, Newland

Lincoln

LN1 1YL

United Kingdom

Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government