Southwark Works Employment Support Service Framework

Tender description

The contracting authority is seeking to appoint a framework of providers to deliver employment support services to Southwark residents who are unemployed or in insecure or low paid work. The framework will be divided into 9 lots, each lot focusing on particular barriers to employment, as described in the service specification. The framework is for a 4 year period, with suppliers invited to bid for initial call off contracts at the same time as appointment to the framework. Initial call off contracts will be for a period of 2 years, with an option to extend for a further 2 years. Lot 1: Vulnerable young people including care leavers and those with special educational needs or are disabled Employment support will be targeted to Southwark residents aged 16-25. The young people eligible for this lot are not in employment, education or training (NEET ), care leavers, or have had contact or are currently in contact with the criminal justice system, are considered at risk of offending, or have special educational needs or disabilities, mental health needs or housing needs. Lot 2: People aged 50+ or with physical health conditions / disabilities Employment support will be targeted to Southwark residents who are over 50 or have physical health conditions or disabilities. Lot 3: Mental health The lot will provide employment support for Southwark residents with a range of mental health conditions, including mild mental health conditions, anxiety/depression, and long-term or complex mental health needs, with no formal diagnosis. It will also aim to integrate with core mental health services to secure referrals. There will also be a focus on in work support to help residents maintain employment and for clients to link to the wellbeing hub. Lot 4: Learning disabilities and learning difficulties, including autism Eligible service users for this lot are residents who have learning difficulties or disabilities. The aim is to provide employment support for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, focusing on engaging with Southwark Council All Age Disability services, supporting clients with a range of disabilities and link clients to Adult Social Care hubs. Lot 5: Parents and unpaid carers Employment support will be offered to Southwark parents and unpaid carers, working with council teams to direct support to those eligible for 'Supporting Families' support and working with Social Care teams to work with carers. Lot 6: Ex offenders Employment support directed to Southwark residents who have had contact or are currently in contact with the criminal justice system to support the transition back into work and maintain employment. Lot 7: Eligible service users will be experiencing substance misuse issues, and may be engaged with Southwark Council commissioned treatment services. Employment support will target those receiving support from council services. Lot 8: Homlessness Employment support will be targeted to Southwark residents who are homeless and at risk of homelessness; eligible clients will need to be in contact with the council’s Housing Solutions team. Lot 9: In work support Employment support will focus on Southwark residents who are already employed, though on low pay or insecure hours.