Flexible Framework for the delivery of Employability Skills Support

Tender description

This notice relates to the opportunity for new entrants to apply to West Dunbartonshire Council's Flexible Framework Agreement. The Flexible Framework Agreement was established in 2020 to provide a wide range of pre/vocational training interventions that will assist citizens of West Dunbartonshire (aged 16+) to overcome barriers to employment, training and learning opportunities and assist them to achieve their training, employment and career and job aspirations. The remaining duration of the Flexible Framework Agreement will be for 3 years. Lot 1: Engagement and Barrier Removal The current employability support services managed by West Dunbartonshire Council’s service Working 4U and delivered across the five stage employability pipeline provides a range of programmes and interventions that meet the identified needs of different client groups. There has been and will continue to be an increasing focus on job seekers with multiple barriers to employment. It is essential that the employability support services at each stage of the employability pipeline meet the needs of the local economy and local businesses. However, they must also meet the needs of West Dunbartonshire citizens who wish to progress towards and into employment and improve their position within the labour market. These objectives will be supported by a clear focus on progression within which: stages 1 and 2 of the pipeline supporting those furthest from the labour market with better assessment, action planning and barrier removal activities. More comprehensive information about the West Dunbartonshire Employability Pipeline can be found here: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/work/strategic-skills-pipeline/ Transition between the five stages and lots 1, 2 and 3 is fundamentally important to the working of the pipeline and will be overseen and managed by Working 4U, who will retain all responsibility for individuals participating in the employability support services. Transition and progression is particularly important for beneficiaries in Lot 1 and Lot 2 where they move from being not job ready into the demand side of the pipeline where they will be actively seeking work. Individuals will participate in the stages of the employability pipeline that meets their identified needs; tenderers must be clear as to how they will manage support interventions at different stages of the pipeline. Key objectives going forward which will underpin activity will be around: - more flexible and responsive delivery models to meet this demand; - embedding employability with other local support services; better targeted and responsive support to those furthest from the labour market and streamlined to avoid confusion; - improved partnerships. Lot 2: Vocational Training and Work Related Skills The current employability support services managed by West Dunbartonshire Council’s service Working 4U and delivered across the five stage employability pipeline provides a range of programmes and interventions that meet the identified needs of different client groups. There has been and will continue to be an increasing focus on job seekers with multiple barriers to employment. It is essential that the employability support services at each stage of the employability pipeline meet the needs of the local economy and local businesses. However, they must also meet the needs of West Dunbartonshire residents who wish to progress towards and into employment and improve their position within the labour market. These objectives will be supported by a clear focus on progression within which will: Improve progression pathways from stages 1 and 2 into vocational activity and skills development at stages 3 and 4 with increased and improved job brokering, employer engagement and job matching with employers who have identified a specific need or vacancy. More comprehensive information about the West Dunbartonshire Employability Pipeline can be found here: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/work/strategic-skills-pipeline/ Transition between the five stages and lots 1, 2 and 3 is fundamentally important to the working of the pipeline and will be overseen and managed by Working 4U, who will retain all responsibility for individuals participating in the employability support services. Transition and progression is particularly important for beneficiaries in Lot 1 and Lot 2 where they move from being not job ready into the demand side of the pipeline where they will be actively seeking work. Individuals will participate in the stages of the employability pipeline that meets their identified needs; tenderers must be clear as to how they will manage support interventions at different stages of the pipeline. Key objectives going forward which will underpin activity will be around: - more flexible and responsive delivery models to meet this demand; - embedding employability with other local support services; better targeted and responsive support to those furthest from the labour market and streamlined to avoid confusion; - improved partnerships. Lot 3: In Work Support and Work Based Qualifications The current employability support services managed by West Dunbartonshire Council’s service Working 4U and delivered across the five stage employability pipeline provides a range of programmes and interventions that meet the identified needs of different client groups. There has been and will continue to be an increasing focus on job seekers with multiple barriers to employment. It is essential that the employability support services at each stage of the employability pipeline meet the needs of the local economy and local businesses. However, they must also meet the needs of West Dunbartonshire citizens who wish to progress towards and into employment and improve their position within the labour market. These objectives will be supported by a clear focus on progression within which: at stage 5, will provide improved in-work support and aftercare, which includes continued skills development. More comprehensive information about the West Dunbartonshire Employability Pipeline can be found here: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/work/strategic-skills-pipeline/ Transition between the five stages and lots 1, 2 and 3 is fundamentally important to the working of the pipeline and will be overseen and managed by Working 4U, who will retain all responsibility for individuals participating in the employability support services. Transition and progression is particularly important for beneficiaries in Lot 1 and Lot 2 where they move from being not job ready into the demand side of the pipeline where they will be actively seeking work. Individuals will participate in the stages of the employability pipeline that meets their identified needs; tenderers must be clear as to how they will manage support interventions at different stages of the pipeline. Key objectives going forward which will underpin activity will be around: - more flexible and responsive delivery models to meet this demand; - embedding employability with other local support services; better targeted and responsive support to those furthest from the labour market and streamlined to avoid confusion; - improved partnerships.