Official UK procurement notice
Connect to Work · Lancashire County Council (Sept 2025)
Authority: Lancashire County Council (Local council)·On behalf of: SOCIAL VALUE PORTAL LTD
Sectors: Business Services & Consultancy (79) Delivery: North West (UKD4)
Published estimate£23,972,049envelope for 4 lots · £28,766,459 inc. VAT
Submissions closed 24 Jun 2025awarded 11 Dec 2025
Awarded to Ingeus UK Limited +2 more8 awards
Contract term 3 yrs 7 moends 30 Mar 2029 · up to 30 Mar 2030 with extensions · starts 5 Sept 2025
What is being bought4 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionConnect to Work is a national scheme led by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and is a supported employment programme targeted at specific groups of residents to enable sustained employment.
The programme is focused on reversing the growth in Economic Inactivity and is targeted towards residents with health conditions and disabilities, as well as a number of groups to face barriers to gaining sustained employment, such as care leavers, carers, refugees, ex-offenders, and veterans, aligning with the Lancashire Economic Inactivity insights report, published in 2023.
The Authority is seeking secure a new multi-lotted contract for the external provision of IPS (Individual Placement Support) and SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) as part of the Authority's Connect to Work project.
Lot 1 is based on IPS for the East geographical area of Lancashire. (Including delivery in the districts of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale.)
Lot 2 is based on IPS for the North geographical area of Lancashire. (Including delivery in the districts of Fylde, Lancaster and Wyre .)
Lot 3 is based on IPS for the Central & West geographical area of Lancashire. (Including delivery in the districts of, Chorley, Preston, South Ribble and West Lancashire.)
Lot 4 is based on SEQF for the geographical area of Lancashire.
CPV: Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
Lots and requirements (4)Procurement structure
4 lots · all with a published value (£23,972,049 together) · win at most 2 of them · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lotLot #1Individual Placement and Support: EastAwardedRenewalPublished value£7,336,781
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)1
- Technical & professional ability
Please see the tender documentation for further information.
Lot #2Individual Placement and Support: NorthAwardedRenewalPublished value£4,430,067
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)1
- Technical & professional ability
Please see the tender documentation for further information.
Lot #3Individual Placement and Support: Central WestAwardedRenewalPublished value£6,377,138
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)1
- Technical & professional ability
Please see the tender documentation for further information.
Lot #4Supported Employment Quality Framework: LancashireAwardedRenewalPublished value£5,828,063
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)1
- Technical & professional ability
Please see the tender documentation for further information.
What it takes to wini
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 morei
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).
How bids were scored · same split on all 4 lots
Published sub-criteria (2)
- Quality and Technical: 90%
- Social Value: 10%
Published award criteria (2)
- Quality and Technical: Quality and Technical Questionnaire
- Social Value
Lot distribution rule: Please see the tender documentation for further details.
Conditions of participation · identical on every lot1
- Technical & professional ability
Please see the tender documentation for further information.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Awarded
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 5 Sept 2025, 15:25 BST
- Last source update
- 13 Mar 2026, 19:16 GMT
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 3 Sept 2025
- Authority reference
CR/CORP/LCC/25/202- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-026544- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-05167aFind a Tender
How it was run
Official notice- Submission deadline
- 24 Jun 2025, 12:00 BST
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release
The tender documents are available on Lancashire County Council's electronic tendering site: www.lancashire.gov.uk/fusion-supplier-portal/ ↗
Use of this system does not require high specification IT equipment or connections, nor high-level personal IT skills/capabilities. Access to the system/software and advice is free of charge. Registration is necessary in order to view the tender details and obtain tender documentation. Tenderers are advised to allow plenty of time for registration and to do this as early as possible during the tender period.
Please see www.lancashire.gov.uk/business/tenders-and… ↗ for further information.
NEGOTIATON (Request For Quote) NUMBER (Tender reference number for online tendering system) is: LCC44470. For further information please contact: [email protected]
Timeline
19 May 2025 → 13 Mar 2026 · 9 dates- Planning notice published19 May 2025, 09:39 BST
- Tender notice published23 May 2025, 14:38 BST
- Next notice expected23 May 2025, 23:59 BST
- Submission deadline24 Jun 2025, 12:00 BST
- Award decision expected by3 Sept 2025, 23:59 BST
- Contract starts5 Sept 2025, 00:00 BST
- Assessment summaries sent310 days ago11 Dec 2025
- Standstill ends298 days ago22 Dec 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Latest notice published217 days ago13 Mar 2026, 19:16 GMT
Notice history
10 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 19 May 2025- Pipeline notice published19 May 2025, 09:39 BSTUK1
- Preliminary market engagement notice published19 May 2025, 16:20 BSTUK2
- Tender notice published23 May 2025, 14:38 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published2 Jun 2025, 14:27 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published17 Jun 2025, 16:17 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published5 Sept 2025, 15:25 BSTUK6
- Contract signature expected17 Sept 2025, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract award notice published11 Dec 2025, 16:36 GMTUK6
- Contract signature expected23 Dec 2025, 23:59 GMTscheduled
- Contract details notice published13 Mar 2026, 19:16 GMTUK7
Published amendments (2)
IMPORTANT: Please note the following changes to the anticipated Contract Dates. The Contract dates (estimated) are revised from: 5 September 2025 to 30 June 2029 Possible extension to 30 June 2030 to 5 September 2025 to 31 March 2029 Possible extension to 31 March 2030. Important: The "Contract Term" differs from the "Delivery Period". The Contract Term is anticipated to commence on the 5th Septem…
Important information - 17th June 2026, Please note the Tender submission deadline has been amended from (Original) Tender submission deadline 19 June 2025, 12:00pm To (Amended) Tender submission deadline 24 June 2025, 12:00pm Important Notice 2nd June 2026 IMPORTANT: Please note the following changes to the anticipated Contract Dates. The Contract dates (estimated) are revised from: 5 September …
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecastAwards 8some still in standstill
Awarded value £47,944,0988 awards exc. VAT
Bids received 3315 from SMEs
Named bidders 20published on the award notice
Contracts signed 4latest 24 Feb 2026
| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 · Individual Placement and Support: East2 awards | |||
| Ingeus UK Limited19 Jan 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £7,336,781 | 11 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Ingeus UK LimitedConnect to Work - Lot 1: Individual Placement and Support: East18 Sept 2025 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £7,336,781 | 5 Sept 2025standstill to 16 Sept 2025 | Standstill |
| Lot 2 · Individual Placement and Support: North2 awards | |||
| Standguide LimitedConnect to Work - Lot 2: Individual Placement and Support: North19 Jan 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £4,430,067 | 11 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Standguide LimitedConnect to Work - Lot 2: Individual Placement and Support: North18 Sept 2025 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £4,430,067 | 5 Sept 2025standstill to 16 Sept 2025 | Standstill |
| Lot 3 · Individual Placement and Support: Central West2 awards | |||
| Ingeus UK LimitedConnect to Work - Lot 3. Individual Placement and Support: Central West19 Jan 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £6,377,138 | 11 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| Ingeus UK LimitedConnect to Work - Lot 3. Individual Placement and Support: Central West18 Sept 2025 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £6,377,138 | 5 Sept 2025standstill to 16 Sept 2025 | Standstill |
| Lot 4 · Supported Employment Quality Framework: Lancashire2 awards | |||
| MAXIMUS UK SERVICES LIMITEDConnect to Work - Lot 4: Supported Employment Quality Framework: Lancashire1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £5,828,063 | 11 Dec 2025 | Awarded |
| MAXIMUS UK SERVICES LIMITEDConnect to Work - Lot 4: Supported Employment Quality Framework: Lancashire18 Sept 2025 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030Extensions: The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term. · Options: The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above. | £5,828,063 | 5 Sept 2025standstill to 16 Sept 2025 | Standstill |
Contracts
Lot 4: Supported Employment Quality Framework: Lancashire · MAXIMUS UK SERVICES LIMITED
- Signed
- 24 Feb 2026
- Value
- £5,828,063
- Period
- 24 Feb 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term.
- Options
- The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above.
3 agreed KPIs: Job Starts · Job Outcomes - Out of Work · Job Outcomes - In Work Retention
- Job Starts, At least 50% of total Programme Starts to achieve first earnings (Out of Work Participants). To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's Programme Start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - Out of Work, At least 40% Out of Work Participants of total Programme Starts to achieve a Lower Threshold Job Outcome. Earnings threshold calculation (9 hours x 13 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 13 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - In Work Retention, At least 80% of In Work Retention Support Participants to achieve a Higher Threshold Job Outcome (higher only - Employed and Self-Employed Job Outcomes). Earnings threshold calculation (18 hours x 26 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 26 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 365 calendar days from the Participant's start date.
Lot 1. Individual Placement and Support: East · Ingeus UK Limited
- Signed
- 23 Feb 2026
- Value
- £7,336,781
- Period
- 23 Feb 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term.
- Options
- The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above.
3 agreed KPIs: Job Starts · Job Outcomes - Out of Work · Job Outcomes - In Work Retention
- Job Starts, At least 50% of total Programme Starts to achieve first earnings (Out of Work Participants). To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's Programme Start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - Out of Work, At least 40% Out of Work Participants of total Programme Starts to achieve a Lower Threshold Job Outcome. Earnings threshold calculation (9 hours x 13 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 13 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date. At least 29% Out of Work Participants of total Programme Starts to achieve a Higher Threshold Job Outcome. Earnings threshold calculation (18 hours x 26 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 26 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - In Work Retention, At least 80% of In Work Retention Support Participants to achieve a Higher Threshold Job Outcome (higher only - Employed and Self-Employed Job Outcomes). Earnings threshold calculation (18 hours x 26 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 26 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 365 calendar days from the Participant's start date.
Lot 3. Individual Placement and Support: Central West · Ingeus UK Limited
- Signed
- 23 Feb 2026
- Value
- £6,377,138
- Period
- 23 Feb 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term.
- Options
- The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above.
3 agreed KPIs: Job Starts · Job Outcomes - Out of Work · Job Outcomes - In Work Retention
- Job Starts, At least 50% of total Programme Starts to achieve first earnings (Out of Work Participants). To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's Programme Start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - Out of Work, At least 40% Out of Work Participants of total Programme Starts to achieve a Lower Threshold Job Outcome. Earnings threshold calculation (9 hours x 13 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 13 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - In Work Retention, At least 80% of In Work Retention Support Participants to achieve a Higher Threshold Job Outcome (higher only - Employed and Self-Employed Job Outcomes). Earnings threshold calculation (18 hours x 26 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 26 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 365 calendar days from the Participant's start date.
Lot 2: Individual Placement and Support: North · Standguide Limited
- Signed
- 12 Feb 2026
- Value
- £4,430,067
- Period
- 12 Feb 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- The Authority has the option to extend this agreement beyond the Initial Term by a further period up to a maximum of 12 months in addition to the Initial Term.
- Options
- The options are the right for the Authority to extend the agreement beyond the Initial Term as stated above.
3 agreed KPIs: Job Starts · Job Outcomes - Out of Work · Job Outcomes - In Work Retention
- Job Starts, At least 50% of total Programme Starts to achieve first earnings (Out of Work Participants). To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's Programme Start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - Out of Work, At least 40% Out of Work Participants of total Programme Starts to achieve a Lower Threshold Job Outcome. Earnings threshold calculation (9 hours x 13 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 13 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 456 calendar days from the Participant's start date, or if extended up to 638 calendar days from the start date.
- Job Outcomes - In Work Retention, At least 80% of In Work Retention Support Participants to achieve a Higher Threshold Job Outcome (higher only - Employed and Self-Employed Job Outcomes). Earnings threshold calculation (18 hours x 26 weeks x NLW) and Self-Employed equivalent measured over 26 cumulative weeks. To be achieved up to 365 calendar days from the Participant's start date
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Individual Placement and Support: East | 8final-stage tenders | 3 | 1 | — |
| 2 · Individual Placement and Support: North | 11final-stage tenders | 6 | 1 | — |
| 3 · Individual Placement and Support: Central West | 7final-stage tenders | 3 | 2 | — |
| 4 · Supported Employment Quality Framework: Lancashire | 7final-stage tenders | 3 | 1 | — |
Who bid
- wonINGEUS UK LIMITED · Greater London · 1, 3
- wonSTANDGUIDE LIMITED · North West England · 2, 1
- wonMAXIMUS UK SERVICES LIMITED · East Midlands · 4
- did not winBREAKTHROUGH SOCIAL ENTERPRISE LIMITEDSME · Greater London · all lots
- did not winCALICO ENTERPRISE LIMITEDSME · North West England · 1
- did not winFEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITED · North East England · 1, 3, 4
- did not winMM Training & ConsultancySME · North West England · all lots
- did not winPERTEMPS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP LIMITED · West Midlands · 1, 2
- did not winSELNET LTDVCSE · North West England · 1, 2
- did not winENABLE SCOTLAND (LEADING THE WAY) · Scotland · 2
- did not winINSPIRA (01)SME · North West England · 2
- did not winLancaster City Council · North West England · 2, 4
- did not winTHE SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY LTDSME · North West England + PHX TRAINING LIMITEDSME · North West England · consortium · 2
- did not winPHX TRAINING LIMITEDSME · North West England + THE SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY LTDSME · North West England · consortium · 2, 4
- did not winTRIAGE CENTRAL LIMITEDSME · Scotland · 2
- did not winACTIVE LANCASHIRE LIMITEDVCSE · North West England · 3, 4
- did not winINTUITIVE THINKING SKILLS LTDSME · North West England · 3
- did not winTHE WISE GROUPVCSE · Scotland · 3
Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
4 public bodies on the noticeOther public bodies
- BLACKPOOL COUNCILProcuring entityAssistance in tender evaluation
- Blackburn With Darwen Borough CouncilProcuring entityAssistance in tender evaluations
- SOCIAL VALUE PORTAL LTDProcuring entityEvaluation of Social Value
Bidders & participating suppliers
18 commercial parties on the notice · 3 awarded- ACTIVE LANCASHIRE LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- BREAKTHROUGH SOCIAL ENTERPRISE LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- CALICO ENTERPRISE LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- ENABLE SCOTLAND (LEADING THE WAY)Bidder / tenderer
- FEDCAP EMPLOYMENT LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- INGEUS UK LIMITEDAwarded supplier
- INSPIRA (01)Bidder / tenderer
- INTUITIVE THINKING SKILLS LTDBidder / tenderer
- Lancaster City CouncilBidder / tenderer
- MAXIMUS UK SERVICES LIMITEDAwarded supplier
Show 8 more suppliers
- MM Training & ConsultancyBidder / tenderer
- PERTEMPS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- PHX TRAINING LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- SELNET LTDBidder / tenderer
- STANDGUIDE LIMITEDAwarded supplier
- THE SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY LTDBidder / tenderer
- THE WISE GROUPBidder / tenderer
- TRIAGE CENTRAL LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
Official documents & specifications (21)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
Notices published for this procedure
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
Show 9 more notices
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- Pipeline notice Pipeline notice on Find a Tender