Employability Support Services - Five Stage Pipeline Approach

Tender description

UPDATE - 2021 REOPENING OF THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT As noted below, the previously advertised framework agreement relative to Employability Support Services which commenced on 1st October 2019, in accordance with its terms, was opened to New Entrants to be admitted under the same process as the original tender exercise and as noted herein. The framework which commenced on 1st October 2019 will cover a period of 4 years The estimated values shown in this notice reflects the values advertised at the establishment of the framework. ORIGINAL CONTRACT NOTICE TEXT: Falkirk Council has adopted the national five stage employability pipeline for the organisation, commissioning, management and delivery of employability services to support and assist individuals in their journey towards and into employment. Services will be tailored to ensure a person centred approach with a coherent range of specialist support that responds flexibly and effectively to meet the needs of individuals and their employers. Falkirk Council will be seeking to procure services from providers who are experienced in delivering to individuals who are disadvantaged and excluded from participating in the labour market, who face a range of barriers to employment and require additional support in order to obtain, sustain and progress in employment. Falkirk Council will be seeking a range of services which support a person centred, needs based approach which treats individuals with dignity and respect at all times. (ctd in Additional Information) Lot 1: Engagement and Barrier Removal The framework recognises the need to better support disadvantaged groups to move towards and into employment. This has to start with greater focus on early engagement, assessment of support needs and effective action planning to more effectively tackle barriers that are preventing individuals from participating in the labour market. Working in partnership we are seeking a range of diverse interventions to effectively engage with those furthest from the labour market, supporting individuals with multiple and often complex support needs. Services being procured will include motivation, confidence, personal development, one to one support, mentoring, group work, core skills, health, wellbeing and financial support interventions. It is envisaged that some structured, accredited and project based activities will also be required. This Lot covers the spectrum of activities at Stage 1 and 2 of the Employability Pipeline Lot 2: Vocational Training and Work Related Skills The focus of this Lot will be to improve the core, functional and vocational skills of individuals seeking to enter employment. The activities within this lot will enable a structured approach to work experience enabling individuals to gain employability competencies and where relevant occupationally focused certification. This Lot covers the spectrum of activities at Stage 3 and 4 of the Employability Pipeline and will enable a tailored pathway to local labour market opportunities. It is anticipated that the provision in this Lot will enable supported and sheltered work experience and where possible industry recognised certification, pre apprenticeship programmes and a structured transitional pathway to sustainable employment. Job Search skills and agreed elements of employer engagement, job brokerage may also be relevant within this Lot Lot 3: In Work Support and Work Based Qualifications This Lot reflects the increased need for in-work support to help enable previously unemployed people to sustain and progress in employment once the initial transition has been made. It is also important to recognise that many individuals will enter this activity at Stage 5 of the Employability Pipeline having progressed from previous activities delivered at Lots 1 and 2 of the framework. This lot includes the delivery of Vocational Qualifications, Modern Apprenticeships and other industry recognised training. The provision of employer support, job carving, job coaching, health and safety, risk assessments, after care and other related assistance may also form part of the in work support package to ensure the sustainability of progressions into employment.