Provision of the Connect to Work Programme In Herefordshire - - Market Engagement RFI
Overview
Summary, notice description and lot information
Herefordshire Council, in collaboration with Shropshire Council, has initiated a public procurement process under the planning stage for the "Provision of the Connect to Work Programme in Herefordshire - Market Engagement RFI". This procurement falls under the services category and is primarily focused on job search, career guidance, education and training, and social services, aiming to support disabled and economically inactive individuals. The procurement process is currently in the planning stage, with the deadline for responses set for 6th August 2025.
The programme will be executed in the region of Herefordshire (UKG11) and is anticipated to support up to 599 residents over five years, starting from January 2026. This contract presents substantial opportunities for organisations with expertise in employment support services, particularly those adept in delivering programmes for economically inactive adults and individuals with complex needs. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to participate, with the procurement method offering two distinct lots: Individual Placement and Support and Local Supported Employment Services.
Interested businesses stand to gain by partnering with Herefordshire Council to meet annual targets set for supporting individuals into employment, promising potential growth through governmental projects and ongoing collaboration.
Herefordshire Council is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) for the purpose of establishing whether there are any organisations that are interested in delivering the Connect to Work programme in Herefordshire. Connect to Work is a new employment programme, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The programme will primarily support people who are disabled and economically inactive.
It will focus on vocational profiling, early engagement with employers and supporting people into work quickly. Ongoing support is then provided to the participant and their employer to help sustain them in work. The programme also involves flexibility to support adults at risk of unemployment due to complex needs to be supported to sustain and improve their employment.
Herefordshire Council will be working in partnership with Shropshire Council (who is the Accountable Body for the Marches geographic area responsible for Connect to Work) on the commissioning, implementation and management of this exciting programme which will support up to 599 residents in Herefordshire over the expected 5-year programme (subject to government spending reviews). There will be 2 Lots: Lot 1 - Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Lot 2 - Local Supported Employment Services (SEQF) Our ambition is to deliver this programme in partnership with one high-quality provider for each Lot who can meet set annual targets for supporting economically inactive adults across Herefordshire into work delivering the IPS and SEQF elements of the programme. We anticipate contracts will be awarded and commence from December 2025 with service commencement (referrals and starts on programme) from January 2026.
For this RFI, we are keen hear from providers who have previously or are currently delivering supported employment programmes and those interested in supporting the delivery of Connect to Work. Closing date for responses: Wednesday 06 August 2025 at 12:00
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The contract period is one year.
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