Published date: 10 September 2025
Last edited date: 10 September 2025
Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.
Contract summary
Industry
General public services - 75110000
Government services - 75131000
Provision of services to the community - 75200000
Recruitment services - 79600000
Adult and other education services - 80400000
Training services - 80500000
Equal opportunities consultancy services - 98200000
Location of contract
North West
Value of contract
£0
Procurement reference
Fedcap - C2W_Cumbria
Published date
10 September 2025
Closing date
17 September 2025
Closing time
2pm
Contract start date
5 January 2026
Contract end date
31 March 2028
Contract type
Supply contract
Procedure type
Open procedure (above threshold)
Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.
This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
Yes
Description
Connect to Work aims to address 'Hidden Unemployment' through a collaborative, locally driven approach, helping local communities to unlock their potential and contribute to both local and national growth. Quality employment is known to positively impact physical and mental health, providing income, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.
Connect to Work is a voluntary program designed to tackle economic inactivity by providing targeted support to individuals based on their specific circumstances. It focuses on helping disabled people, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment. The program uses two key Supported Employment models: the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). SEQF follows the 'place, train, and maintain' approach, ensuring participants are placed in suitable jobs, trained, and supported to maintain employment. IPS, integrates supported employment within health services/settings, particularly for those with severe mental illness or substance dependence.
Eligibility for Connect to Work primarily includes individuals who are economically inactive within priority groups and wish to work. It also supports those at risk of losing their jobs who would struggle to re-enter the workforce without assistance.
Cumberland Council is the local authority leading the procurement of Connect to Work Cumbria (CtW) program for Cumbria on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. The CtW service is to be delivered, equitably, across the whole of Cumbria so that every resident has equal access/opportunity to same level and quality of service regardless of place.
Cumberland Council have gone to market on behalf of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Council with a tender opportunity for IPS and SEQF. The opportunity is to deliver both IPS and SEQF across the whole of Cumbria as one lot.
Fedcap are looking to submit a tender for Connect to Work in Cumbria and are looking for potential delivery partners to be named in our submission. Our approach is to embrace local capacity to deliver IPS and/or SEQF services to eligible Cumbria residents and we seek partners who can bring local knowledge and relationships alongside understanding and experience of supported employment delivery models. Interested organisations should complete the below Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding working with us on this opportunity.
As part of our commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and fostering diversity within our supply chain, we particularly welcome submissions from local based/operating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and/or Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). We recognise and value the innovation and local expertise that SMEs/VCSEs bring and encourage their participation in this opportunity.
How to apply
Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.
About the buyer
Address
Boaz House
Massey Road
STOCKTON-ON-TEES
TS17 6EX
England
Website
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Closing: 17 September 2025, 2pm
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