Local Employability Flexible Framework

Tender description

East Renfrewshire Council is inviting tenders, from suitably qualified companies to support a wide range of employability programmes. This is a flexible framework that will be re-opened at least annually. The MASTER ITT MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE MOVING ONTO LOTS YOU WISH TO BID FOR Bidders can apply for one or more lots available. There are no restrictions on how many lots you wish to bid for. A position on the framework does not guarantee work will be awarded. Call-off contracts will be made on both an annual and requirement-by-requirement basis throughout the duration of the framework. Providers who have been awarded positions on the framework will not be formally ranked and call-off contracts will be awarded through either a mini-competition or a direct award. It is expected that mini-competitions may be undertaken where multiple providers can meet the requirement, while direct awards may be undertaken where a single provider can meet the requirement. Ultimately, however, the decision to run either a mini-competition or a direct award is within the sole discretion of the council. The Lots available are subject to securing funding. ERC reserves the option to deliver some of these services in-house Lot 1: Engagement & Barrier Removal This Lot aims to support jobseekers from priority groups by addressing employability needs and issues before they become more challenging. These issues can present at various points in people’s lives, including when people leave education or when people suddenly become unemployed. Individuals often face multiple barriers to participation such as a lack of education skills and work experience; issues around transport or care/childcare responsibilities; poor mental health and wellbeing and sometimes systemic barriers, like discrimination or bureaucratic obstacles. Interventions and support therefore need to be personalised to each individual. 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. Providers will be required to demonstrate significant levels of understanding and experience in successfully identifying the barriers that affect people’s participation in employability support, together with detail around a range of strategies and approaches that they would then employ to help people tackle barriers. Providers should also be able to demonstrate the impact of the support that their work has had on participants. A position on the framework does not guarantee work will be awarded. Call-off contracts will be made on both an annual and requirement-by-requirement basis throughout the duration of the framework. Providers who have been awarded positions on the framework will not be formally ranked and call-off contracts will be awarded through either a mini-competition or a direct award. It is expected that mini-competitions may be undertaken where multiple providers can meet the requirement, while direct awards may be undertaken where a single provider can meet the requirement. Ultimately, however, the decision to run either a mini-competition or a direct award is within the sole discretion of the council. The Lots available are subject to securing funding. ERC reserves the option to deliver some of these services in-house Contract Duration 36 months with a further 2 x 12 months option to extend. Estimated value below includes the contract duration and the 2 x 12 month option to extend. At the initial opening and each subsequent reopening of this opportunity, all Tenderers must score at least 35% of the total available marks in the technical evaluation. Tenders that fall below this threshold or fail any Mandatory Pass/Fail requirement will be deemed non-compliant and excluded from commercial evaluation. Lot 3: In-Work Support and Work Based Training This will cover stage 5 of the Employability Pipeline 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 frameworks. Adequate aftercare is essential for ensuring smooth transitions to new roles as well as integrating into workplace culture. It enhances continued professional development and career progression. The intended outcome for participants is to have support to maintain, develop and thrive in their new roles, leading to long-term job retention and career progression. It will also provide critical feedback for tracking participants’ outcomes and successes. Providers will be required to demonstrate a track record of supporting people to retain employment, along with an ability to build meaningful relationship with employers (and the wider workforce), supporting both employers and participants to find creative solutions to difficult work place situations which may arise and be able to detail how these approaches have supported job sustainment. Please ensure that you completed the Master ITT before moving on to completing all envelopes in the Lots you wish to bid for. Failure to complete the Master ITT envelopes or any of the Lot(s) you wish to bid for envelopes will result in the rejection of your submission. Contract award will be offered as a Multi-Supplier Flexible Framework Agreement Estimated Contract Value detailed below includes the 36 month Contract Period and the option to extend for 2 x 12 month periods. Budget could vary and and depending on funding. At the initial opening and each subsequent reopening of this opportunity, all Tenderers must score at least 35% of the total available marks in the technical evaluation. Tenders that fall below this threshold or fail any Mandatory Pass/Fail requirement will be deemed non-compliant and excluded from commercial evaluation. Lot 2: Vocational & Work Related Skills This will cover stages 3 and 4 of the Employability Pipeline The focus of this Lot will be to improve the functional and vocational skills of individuals seeking to enter employment. The activities within this lot will provide a structured approach to training and work experience enabling individuals to gain employability competencies and where relevant occupationally focused certification. This Lot covers the spectrum of activities at Stages 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 work experience and where possible industry recognised certification and support a structured pathway to sustainable employment. Job search skills and agreed elements of employer engagement and job brokerage may also be relevant within this Lot. Delivery of industry recognised certificated training in a variety of approaches and settings. This may range from short bite-size interventions, one day courses or longer interventions linked to a programme. Must be delivered across the locality. Examples are: First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Fork Lift Truck, CSCS etc Delivery of accredited core skills to a minimum of SCQF level 4. Providers will be required to demonstrate a range of experience in delivering pre-employment and vocational training opportunities. This may include those in specific sectors like hospitality, construction and social care etc. Any experience of delivering work experience/placement opportunities should clearly show how these prepare people for work. Please ensure that you completed the Master ITT before moving on to completing all envelopes in the Lots you wish to bid for. Failure to complete the Master ITT envelopes or any of the Lot(s) you wish to bid for envelopes will result in the rejection of your submission. Contract award will be offered as a Multi-Supplier Flexible Framework Agreement Estimated Contract Value detailed below includes the 36 month Contract Period and the option to extend for 2 x 12 month periods. Budget could vary and and depending on funding. At the initial opening and each subsequent reopening of this opportunity, all Tenderers must score at least 35% of the total available marks in the technical evaluation. Tenders that fall below this threshold or fail any Mandatory Pass/Fail requirement will be deemed non-compliant and excluded from commercial evaluation.