Open Framework for the Connect to Work Programme across Greater Lincolnshire

Descriptions

In Spring 2024, Government launched a programme to support people who are economically inactive due to health conditions, disability or complex barriers back to work. The supported employment programme, entitled Connect to Work, is being launched by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in partnership with local authority clusters, to provide specific support targeted at the right people, at the right time and based on an individual's circumstances.

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) are committed to delivering the Connect to Work scheme across Greater Lincolnshire via a combination of in-house and external partner support.

LCC are seeking to launch an Open Framework for the provision for the Connect to Work programme.

The Open Framework will be accessible to the following public sector bodies:

- Lincolnshire County Council

- North East Lincolnshire Council

- North Lincolnshire Council

Connect to Work is the first programme under the Government's new Get Britain Working Strategy. The programme will be a voluntary, high-fidelity Supported Employment programme, connecting work, health and skills support across all of England and Wales. For full details please see the Connect to Work Grant Guidance paragraphs 1 to 7 as published on Gov.uk here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/connect-to-work

The aim of the Open Framework for the Connect to Work Programme is to seek suitable providers to support in the successful delivery of the Greater Lincolnshire programme expectations which is currently anticipated at around £7.5 Million per year for three years; and aims to support roughly 2,200 eligible participants per year. Appointed providers will be required to adhere to the principles and five stages of the Supported Employment Model as set out by the Department for Work and Pensions. Full details of the Supported Employment Model along with the Council's requirements can be found in Document 2: Specification.

The Framework will run for a period of four years commencing 1st November 2025. There will be an option for the Council to extend the Contract by a period of up to a further four years. It is anticipated that the Framework will be opened up annually to allow new market entrants to join.

Details of estimated expenditure or potential future uptake are given in good faith as a guide to anticipated funding provided by Department for Work and Pensions. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee and do not form part of a Contract.