Adult Learning Services - Light Touch Framework

Procurement reference

DN804210

Procurement description

This tender is to establish a Light Touch Framework for use by the Adult Learning Service, from which this Council Team, situated in the City Development portfolio, will procure high-quality education providers to prioritise its in-direct (subcontracted) delivery of learning provision to Liverpool adults, aged 19 and over. The Council recognises that the service it provides should respond to the diverse needs of local communities, and those with specific needs who are furthest away from learning and work, local employers and the Liverpool economy. The proposed delivery contributes to Pillar 2 of the Council Plan by engaging those furthest away from education and employment with: High quality and inclusive education, skills and employment.

The Council is seeking to work with learning providers who share its vision of promoting the positive economic and social impacts of participation and progression in learning activities, such as increasing self-esteem, building confidence, gaining independence, improving wellbeing, developing work skills, supporting enterprise and enhancing employment prospects. Providers will be expected to engage, support and progress learners through the delivery of a range of innovative, high-quality learning programmes and provide pathways of progression to fulfil the potential of learners.

The rationale for subcontracting is to:

• engage residents, often living in some of Liverpool's most deprived wards, into local learning opportunities with clear intent.

• progress learners onto further learning within the Council or other appropriate learning opportunities (funded by LCR CA or the Education and Skills Funding Agency), and/ or employment.

• provide greater geographical reach into communities and engage those furthest away from education and employment.

• build on the local knowledge of need and the relationship the provider has already established with residents, and in doing so, allow the Council to increase the support made available to them.

• Provide first step learning opportunities to improve confidence to engaging in learning, reduce poverty, improve community cohesion and health and wellbeing.

• build capacity within the voluntary and community sectors

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKD72 - Liverpool

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

8000000 GBP to 8000000GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

25 May 2026, 00:00AM to 24 May 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 24 May 2034

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Liverpool City Council

Procedure type

Open procedure

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Trade agreements

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Percentage fee charged to suppliers

0%

Award method when using the framework

With and without reopening competition

Framework operation description

Pricing criteria is determined at call off stage

Description

To provide non-accredited or non-formal adult learning. This refers to structured, taught learning but differs from formal learning in that it does not lead to a qualification within the aims and objectives of the course. It is possible it will lead to a certificate of achievement or statement of attainment.

• Introduction courses (e.g. Maths, English, ICT, ESOL)

• Personal enrichment courses (e.g. personal development, instruction skills)

• Work related (e.g. skill development, job search training)

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services

Delivery regions

• UKD72 - Liverpool

Lot value (estimated)

6000000 GBP Excluding VAT

7200000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

25 May 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

24 May 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

24 May 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The initial contract will be for a period of 4 years with the option to extend in any combination of months/years at LCC discretion up to a further 4 year period.

Award criteria

Description

To provide structured educational or training programmes of learning that lead to a qualification. Most qualifications have a difficulty level. The higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is to achieve, and these are accredited by awarding bodies. This learning is designed to formally certify that a learner has achieved specific, pre-defined standards of knowledge, skills, and competencies.

Some examples of types of non-accredited courses include:

• Functional Skills (Maths, English and ICT,)

• Vocational qualifications (Teaching Assistants, Early Years, Beauty, Interpreting, Volunteering, Catering and Textiles

• Short programmes that support entry into employment (First Aid, Food Hygiene, Manual Handling)

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services

Delivery regions

• UKD72 - Liverpool

Lot value (estimated)

2000000 GBP Excluding VAT

2400000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

25 May 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

24 May 2030, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

24 May 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The initial contract will be for a period of 4 years with the option to extend in any combination of months/years at LCC discretion up to a further 4 year period.

Award criteria