Supported Employment Services

Description

Dorset Council is seeking a single supplier to deliver a Dorset Supported Employment Service which supports Care Act eligible people living with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities seeking employment and voluntary opportunities and supporting them to achieve economic wellbeing and social inclusion whilst maximising their potential as a person living in Dorset. 
The service will be for adults 16yrs+ and will be able to support young people as they enter adulthood, allowing them the opportunity to receive support to achieve their own employment goals.
This is separate to the Connect to Work programme, however there will be a direct interface. See specification for more details. 
A Preliminary Market Engagement Event was held on 09 July 2025 in relation to this procurement. 
This is an open procedure in accordance with section 20(1) and (2)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023. The procedure does not allow for refining of the award criteria, and there is no scope to negotiate. 
In accordance with Section 18 of the Procurement Act 2023, the use of lots was considered during the planning phase of this procurement and it was determined that dividing the requirement into lots would not be appropriate or beneficial in this instance. Therefore, a single contract approach has been adopted.
The Contract will be for an initial 2 years, with three optional 12-month extension periods (1+1+1), subject to satisfactory performance and funding, giving a potential total contract period of 5 years.
The estimated annual contract value is £180,000 with a total contract value of £900,000 if all extensions are taken. The current funding available is £160,000, with the additional £20,000 subject to grant funding. The budget of up to £180,000 is not guaranteed and is subject to fluctuations. Please note, these figures are exclusive of VAT. The contracting authority reserves the right to use additional funding received under this contract, subject to availability should funds become available during the term. 
The contracting authority reserves the right to carry out a subsequent procurement of similar goods, services or works in reliance on the direct award justification in paragraph 8 of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023.