Connect to Work - (Revised Version)

A Tender Notice
by HARTLEPOOL BOROUGH COUNCIL

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Contract (Services)
Duration
19 month
Value
£5M
Sector
PROFESSIONAL
Published
11 May 2026
Delivery
01 Sep 2026 to 31 Mar 2028
Deadline
15 Jun 2026 22:59

Related Terms

Location

Tees Valley and Durham:

Geochart for 5 buyers and 0 suppliers

5 buyers

Description

Connect to Work is a voluntary local supported employment programme launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and funded by the UK Government. The contract will provide support to: Disabled people People with health conditions and Individuals with Complex Barriers to move into and maintain Employment.

Lot Division

1 Tees Valley (SEQF Only)
  • Value: £2M

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider for the delivery of high-quality Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) provision across the whole of Tees Valley - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton‑on‑Tees. This focuses on supporting disabled people, those with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment to find sustainable work. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, fidelity to the SEQF model, and effective engagement. With 502 expected starts, this Lot represents the SEQF element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.
2 Darlington & Stockton‑on‑Tees (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only)
  • Value: £1M

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Darlington and Stockton‑on‑Tees. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in‑work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 452 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.
3 Middlesbrough & Redcar & Cleveland (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only)
  • Value: £2M

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement & Support (IPS) services within Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in‑work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 752 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme.
4 Hartlepool (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only)
  • Value: £695K

This seeks to commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Hartlepool. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in‑work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 302 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme

Renewal Options

The Council may extend that Contract Term for 24 months to 18th May 2030 subject to funding and contract performance of the Providers.

Award Criteria

Social Value _
Experience _
Approach to Delivery _
Delivery and Sub-Contractor Management _
Data Management, Finance and Reporting _
Mobilisation and Delivery Timeline _
Supplier Incentive Programme _

CPV Codes

  • 80000000 - Education and training services

Indicators

  • Renewals are available.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **

Reference

  • ocds-h6vhtk-069576
  • FTS 042897-2026

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