Stirling Council and Clackmannanshire Council are seeking to award a flexible framework for the provision of employability support services. There will be three separate lots. This application is for: (1) providers who have not previously been awarded onto the framework and would like to apply; or (2) providers who have already been awarded a position on one or two of the lots on the framework and would like to apply to join a lot that they haven't been previously awarded onto.

This is only an award notice for the 2026 intake of providers being added to the approved provider list. This is not a new contract notice. If you are already on the employability framework, there is no action required from you. (SC Ref:836855)

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. This will cover Stages 1 and 2 of the Employability Pipeline. Additional information: 11.2.10 (Variants)- Owing to the vastness of employability services, variants may be required.

Providers will be required to demonstrate a range of experience in delivering pre-employment training opportunities. This may include those in specific sectors like hospitality, tourism, construction and social care. Any experience of delivering work experience opportunities should clearly show how these prepare people for work, and how they support individuals to build a work ethic. This will cover Stages 3 and 4 of the Employability Pipeline. Additional information: 11.2.10 (Variants) - Owing to the vastness of employability services, variants may be required.

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. This will cover Stage 5 of the Employability Pipeline. Additional information: 11.2.10 (Variants) - Owing to the vastness of employability services, variants may be required.

Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)

Open procedure

Lot 3: Bids: 5 Lot 1: Bids: 23 Lot 2: Bids: 14 Lot 3: Sme bids: 4 Lot 1: Sme bids: 21 Lot 2: Sme bids: 14 Lot 3: Foreign bids from eu: 0 Lot 1: Foreign bids from eu: 0 Lot 2: Foreign bids from eu: 0 Lot 3: Foreign bids from non eu: 5 Lot 1: Foreign bids from non eu: 23 Lot 2: Foreign bids from non eu: 14 Lot 3: Electronic bids: 5 Lot 1: Electronic bids: 23 Lot 2: Electronic bids: 14

https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000817238