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Published 23 Jul 2025, 16:50 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Connect to Work Supported Employment Programme in Dorset

Official notice

Authority: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (Local council)

Open framework scheme2 lotsServicesCompetitive flexible procedureAbove thresholdLight touch regimeSME suitableVCSE suitable
Sectors: Education & Training (80)Health & Social Care (85) Delivery: South West (UKK24)
Framework ceiling (notional)£2,930,000envelope for 2 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue · 1 value update
Submissions closed 27 Mar 2026awarded 15 May 2026
Awarded to Bournemouth Churches Housing Association +6 more2 awards
Framework period 3 yrs 10 moends 31 Mar 2030 · up to 31 Mar 2032 with extensions · starts 1 Jun 2026

What is being bought2 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is seeking providers to deliver a new Dorset wide supported employment service 'Connect to Work Supported Employment Service in Dorset'.

Connect to Work is a new government-funded programme launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It aims to help individuals who are economically inactive, unemployed, or at risk of losing their jobs due to disabilities, long-term health conditions or other complex barriers to employment. The program provides targeted support to eligible participants and employers, assisting participants in finding and maintaining good quality employment.

The programme will be managed and maintained by Skills & Learning Adult Community Education (S&LACE) on behalf of BCP Council and Dorset Council.

The tender opportunity is split into 2 different lots:

  • Lot 1: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) delivery for any eligible out of work or in work participant
  • Lot 2: Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) delivery for adults with Learning Disabilities or complex barriers to employment

Anticipated start date is June 2026. The contract will be for three years and 10 months with the option to extend for a further 2 years (1+1)

  • How the procedure runs: Currently a 3 stage process: Tender Compliance Checks Quality Evaluation Price Tender Submissions

CPV: Education and training services · Health and social work services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Bids received
7 bids on the busiest of 2 lots · 7 suppliers appointed
Framework period
3 yrs 10 mo · up to 5 yrs 10 mo from 1 Jun 2026
Scheme runs until
31 Mar 2032
Published description of the framework

This is a multi-supplier framework. Call-offs will be made in accordance with the call-off terms and conditions.

Up to four successful suppliers will be awarded to this framework for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 where call off orders will be directly awarded to the top ranked supplier and cascaded down through the ranking based on ability to fulfil the work order on the timeframe required.

Lots and requirements (2)Procurement structure

2 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lot
Lot #1Individual Placement and Support (IPS) delivery for any eligible out of work or in work participantAwardedRenewal 3 yrs 10 moSMEVCSEPublished value£1,650,000

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 1 Jun 2026 – 31 Mar 2030 (3 yrs 10 mo) · up to 31 Mar 2032 with extensionsValue: £1,650,000 exc. VAT · £1,650,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: South WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Options to extend are subject to satisfactory performance throughout the life of the contract and the Council's confirmation of funding availability (budget).
80000000 Education and training services85000000 Health and social work services
Lot #2Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) delivery for adults with learning disabilities or complex barriers to employmentAwardedRenewal 3 yrs 10 moSMEVCSEPublished value£1,280,000

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 1 Jun 2026 – 31 Mar 2030 (3 yrs 10 mo) · up to 31 Mar 2032 with extensionsValue: £1,280,000 exc. VAT · £1,280,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: South WestEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Options to extend are subject to satisfactory performance throughout the life of the contract and the Council's confirmation of funding availability (budget).
80000000 Education and training services85000000 Health and social work services

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 2 lots
Quality: 90%Price: 10%
Published award criteria (2)
  • Quality
  • Price
What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 10 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 1 point. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “Connect to Work Supported Employment Programme in Dorset” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Competitive flexible procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Light touch regime
Commercial structure
Open framework scheme
Who may use the vehicle
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Unspecified in notice
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
23 Jul 2025, 16:50 BST
Last source update
29 May 2026, 12:45 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 27 Apr 2026
Authority reference
DN783821
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-017995
Latest notice
Contract details notice (UK7)
Classification (CPV)
Education and training servicesHealth and social work services
Delivery area
South West (UKK24)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-0564e6 Find a Tender
How it runs

Currently a 3 stage process:

Tender Compliance Checks

Quality Evaluation

Price Tender Submissions

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: ProContract (Due North) · Who buys & how to bid on ProContract
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free · short registration with manual review; public opportunity list
Appointment period ends
27 Mar 2026, 14:00 GMT
Clarification deadline
13 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk ↗

Timeline

23 Jul 2025 → 1 Jun 2026 · 9 dates
  1. Planning notice published
    23 Jul 2025, 16:50 BST
  2. Market engagement319 days ago
    1 Dec 2025, 23:59 GMT

    BCP Council is undertaking further market engagement via a survey before finalising the delivery plan for the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions ) funded, local authority led Connect to Work supported employment service for Dorset.

    We would like to gain understanding of the range of existing local support services working with adults in Dorset who would potentially be in scope for this new service.

    This survey includes a range of questions that will help us to map the existing services and will also help us to determine where there may be experience and capacity within local organisations to become delivery partners, referral partners or support organisations, subject to a formal procurement process.

    Before completing the survey, please watch the presentation via the link within the survey to find out more about the Connect to Work supported employment service and our intentions.

    Completed surveys should be submitted via the messaging facility on this activity by midday on Monday 1st December 2025 (access is via Supplying the South West).

    Participation or non-participation in this market engagement event shall not prejudice organisations participating in any future procurement process nor is it intended that any information supplied shall place any organisation at an advantage in any forthcoming procurement process

  3. Tender notice published231 days ago
    27 Feb 2026, 14:38 GMT
  4. Clarification questions by217 days ago
    13 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
  5. Admission / appointment period ends203 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    27 Mar 2026, 14:00 GMT
  6. Award decision expected by172 days ago
    27 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
  7. Assessment summaries sent155 days ago
    15 May 2026, 00:00 BST
  8. Latest notice published140 days ago
    29 May 2026, 12:45 BST
  9. Contract starts138 days ago
    1 Jun 2026, 00:00 BST

Notice history

14 events · 8 releases on Find a Tender · since 23 Jul 2025
  1. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    23 Jul 2025, 16:50 BST
    UK2
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    12 Nov 2025, 15:42 GMT
    UK2
  3. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    13 Nov 2025, 09:46 GMT
    UK2
  4. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    17 Nov 2025, 09:43 GMT
    UK2
  5. Tender notice published
    27 Feb 2026, 14:38 GMT
    UK4
  6. Published value updated
    27 Feb 2026, 14:38 GMT
  7. Status changed to active
    27 Feb 2026, 14:38 GMT
  8. Procurement method changed
    27 Feb 2026, 14:38 GMT
  9. Deadline published: 27 Mar 2026, 14:00 GMT
    27 Feb 2026, 14:38 GMT
  10. Tender notice published
    11 Mar 2026, 16:25 GMT
    UK4
  11. Contract award notice published
    21 May 2026, 11:43 BST
    UK6
  12. Status changed to complete
    21 May 2026, 11:43 BST
  13. Contract details notice published
    29 May 2026, 12:45 BST
    UK7
  14. Contract signature expected
    8 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
Published amendments (2)

survey link updated

Contract dates and term

Routine re-releases (8)
  • 2026-02: 1 release · 27 Feb 2026
  • 2025-11: 3 releases · 12 Nov 2025, 17 Nov 2025
  • 2025-07: 1 release · 23 Jul 2025

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 72 awards · see the list ↓
Bids received 72 from SMEs · busiest of 2 lots
Contracts signed 2latest 28 May 2026
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Lot 1 · Individual Placement and Support (IPS) delivery for any eligible out of work or in work participant1 award
Bournemouth Churches Housing AssociationVCSE, Brighter Horizons TrainingSME, ELEVATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDSME, Salvation Army Trustee Company(The)15 Jun 2026 – 31 Mar 2030 · up to 31 Mar 2032Extensions: 1+1£1,650,00015 May 2026Awarded
Lot 2 · Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) delivery for adults with learning disabilities or complex barriers to employment1 award
DIMENSIONS (UK) LIMITEDVCSE, DORSET COMMUNITY ACTIONVCSE, ELEVATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDSME, Minstead TrustVCSESEQF Delivery for Adults with Learning disabilities or Complex Barriers to Employment15 Jun 2026 – 31 Mar 2030 · up to 31 Mar 2032Extensions: 1+1£1,280,00015 May 2026Awarded

Contracts

  • Individual Placement and support (IPS) Delivery for any Eligible out of work or in work Participant. · Bournemouth Churches Housing AssociationVCSE, Brighter Horizons TrainingSME, ELEVATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDSME, Salvation Army Trustee Company(The)

    Signed
    28 May 2026
    Value
    £1,650,000
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 31 Mar 2030 · up to 31 Mar 2032 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    1+1 Options to extend are subject to satisfactory performance throughout the life of the contract and the Council's confirmation of funding availability (budget).
    3 agreed KPIs: Expressions of Interest (EOI) & Introduction to Programme · Employer engagement · Job matching and job starts
    • Expressions of Interest (EOI) & Introduction to Programme
    • Employer engagement
    • Job matching and job starts

  • SEQF Delivery for Adults with Learning disabilities or Complex Barriers · DIMENSIONS (UK) LIMITEDVCSE, DORSET COMMUNITY ACTIONVCSE, ELEVATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDSME, Minstead TrustVCSE

    Signed
    28 May 2026
    Value
    £1,280,000
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 31 Mar 2030 · up to 31 Mar 2032 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    1+1 Options to extend are subject to satisfactory performance throughout the life of the contract and the Council's confirmation of funding availability (budget).
    3 agreed KPIs: Expressions of Interest (EOI) & Introduction to Programme · Eligibility & Suitability Initial Meeting · Job matching and job starts
    • Expressions of Interest (EOI) & Introduction to Programme
    • Eligibility & Suitability Initial Meeting
    • Job matching and job starts

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Individual Placement and Support (IPS) delivery for any eligible out of work or in work participant6final-stage tenders21—
2 · Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) delivery for adults with learning disabilities or complex barriers to employment7final-stage tenders23—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PHYY-7342-PRHH BCP Council Civic Centre, Bournemouth, South West, BH2 6DYContact email

Framework contractors & participating bidders

7 commercial parties on the notice
  • BOURNEMOUTH CHURCHES HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: IP18497RGB-PPON: PDHL-9735-LXMG The Factory, 14 Alder Hills, POOLE, South West, BH12 4ASContact email
  • BRIGHTER HORIZONS TRAINING LLPFramework contractorGB-COH: OC441077GB-PPON: PMMT-8229-HPMX Suite 5, St Albans Chambers, 16, St Alban Street, Suite 5 , St Alban Chambers, Weymouth, South West, DT4 8PYContact email
  • DORSET COMMUNITY ACTIONFramework contractorGB-COH: 03320011GB-PPON: PRPQ-9334-QCYQ The Little Keep, Dorchester, South West, DT1 1SQContact email
  • Dimensions (UK) LimitedFramework contractorGB-MPR: 31192RGB-PPON: PWVC-1443-BCQH Dimensions, Ground Floor, Building 1230, Arlington Business Park, Theale, South East, RG74SAContact email
  • ELEVATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 16701506GB-PPON: PWXT-6794-GDNT 137 New Road, Neath, Wales, SA10 6HLContact email
  • Minstead TrustFramework contractorGB-COH: 03142116GB-PPON: PBGR-1911-MQMV Seaman's Lane, Minstead, South East, SO43 7FTContact email
  • SALVATION ARMY TRUSTEE COMPANY(THE)Framework contractorGB-COH: 00259322GB-PPON: PQQQ-1841-MWRJ 1 Champion Park, London, London, SE5 8FJContact email

Official documents & specifications (11)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

Notices published for this procedure

Show 2 more notices