Flexible Framework for the delivery of Employability Skills Support

A Prior Information Notice (Social)
by WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Framework (Services)
Duration
3 year
Value
___
Sector
PROFESSIONAL
Published
16 Mar 2021
Delivery
To 15 Apr 2024 (est.)
Deadline
16 Apr 2021 09:00

Concepts

Location

Dumbarton

Geochart for 2 buyers and 0 suppliers

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 Division

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.

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.

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.

CPV Codes

  • 80000000 - Education and training services

Indicators

  • Bids should cover one or more lots.
  • Bids should cover the whole contract.
  • Performance considerations apply.
  • Staff qualifications are relevant.

Other Information

West Dunbartonshire Counncil via its Working 4U Service will retain responsibility for the end to end provision overseeing the participant employability journey working with a range of delivery partners to enhance the capacity and variety of support available. Some specialist provision will be required for individuals with learning disabilities across all employability support services and an inclusive approach to the design and delivery of provision is essential. Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. The procurement exercise will be governed by Regulations 74, 75 & 76 of Public Contract (Scotland) Regulations 2015. NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Tender Website: https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason: These are services to the individual and West Dunbartonshire Council Working 4U Service is responsible for the services provided to the individual. The Working 4U Service manages the end to end Employability Pipeline Support and wants a direct relationship with the service provider delivering the specific service requirements to the individual. The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 18222. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2361 A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: . (SC Ref:647368)

Reference

Domains