Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bcf-ef0c-71ad-8cf2-e64006e0a438/connect-to-work-programme cancelledGBopen procedureSuitable for SMEs # Connect to Work Programme [Hartlepool Borough Council](https://tendernation.io/buyers/hartlepool-borough-council) Estimated value Not stated Published 14 Apr 2026 Deadline Closed 16 Apr 2026 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Split into 4 lots You can usually bid for just the lots you can deliver. - Sets up a framework Winning a place does not guarantee work: contracts are awarded later as call-offs, and the list usually stays closed for years. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](/opportunities/for-small-businesses)## About this tender Hartlepool Borough Council (the Council) has been appointed as the Lead Body by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) for the Connect to Work Programme. As such, the Council is responsible for ensuring successful management and delivery of the programme across Tees Valley. Connect to Work is a voluntary local support employment programme launched by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and funded by the UK Government. The contract will provide support disabled people, people with health conditions and individuals with complex barriers to move into and maintain employment. The delivery has been split into 4 Lots, and the Council are seeking to contract with a single Lead Provider for each Lot. - Lot 1Tees Valley (SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) Only) To commission a Lead Provider for the delivery of high-quality Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) provision across the whole of Tees Valley - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton‑on‑Tees. This focuses on supporting disabled people, those with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment to find sustainable work. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, fidelity to the SEQF model, and effective engagement. With 502 expected starts, this Lot represents the SEQF element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. - Lot 2Darlington & Stockton‑on‑Tees (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only) To commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Darlington and Stockton‑on‑Tees. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in‑work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 452 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. - Lot 3Middlesbrough & Redcar & Cleveland (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only) To commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement & Support (IPS) services within Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in‑work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 752 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. - Lot 4Hartlepool (IPS - Individual Placement and Support Only) To commission a Lead Provider to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services within Hartlepool. This will target eligible individuals who require intensive, personalised employment support so they can progress into sustainable work. Delivery must follow the nationally recognised IPS model, with a strong focus on rapid job search, integrated support, and in‑work retention. The Lead Provider will build and manage a strong consortium, ensuring consistent high-quality delivery, and effective engagement. With 302 expected starts, this Lot represents a key element of the Tees Valley Connect to Work Programme. Read full description ## CPV classification Education and training services Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-05da00-2026-04-14T10:56:54+01:00 [View official notice ](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-05da00-2026-04-14T10:56:54+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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