Skills For Growth Framework

Procurement reference

CP2753-25

Procurement description

Devon County Council on behalf of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority's (DTCCA) is looking to establish an open framework for commissioning the delivery of high-quality skills provision services. The scope includes the delivery of programmes funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), Skills Bootcamps, and other future skills initiatives aligned with local and national workforce needs.

ASF is a core funding stream provided by the Department for Working Pensions (DWP), designed to support adult learners, aged 19+ in Devon and Torbay, in gaining essential skills and qualifications that are up to Level 2, with some Level 3 qualifications for those aged 19 - 23, to improve employability, career progression, and participation in the workforce. This includes GCSEs, awards, certificates, and diplomas in vocational and technical subjects, and qualifications in English, Maths, and Digital.

FCFJ are targeted Level 3 qualifications, to support adults, aged 19+ in Devon and Torbay, who meet the definition of unemployed or below the earnings threshold, to develop new skills to improve their prospects in the labour market. In accordance with Department for Education (DfE) and DWP funding rules, providers must have ASF provision to be eligible to deliver FCFJ provision.

Skills Bootcamps funded by DWP ,are short, intensive training courses (typically 8-16 weeks) focused on priority sectors and technical skills. They are employer-led, designed to fill immediate skills gaps, and must include guaranteed job interviews for participants or increased contracts for self-employed learners.

To ensure long-term flexibility and responsiveness, the framework will also be available for commissioning provision for any new future skills projects in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.

The framework will enable flexible, responsive provision that supports adults to gain the skills required for sustainable employment and career progression, while meeting employer demand and contributing to economic growth.

Access to the Preliminary Engagement Event and Questionnaire can be found using the following link to SupplyingtheSouthwest portal.

https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/View?advertId=570c7e8a-a6d9-f011-813c-005056b64545&fromAdvertEvent=True

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKK4 - Devon

Total value (estimated)

120000000 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

08 May 2026, 00:00AM to 07 May 2031, 23:59PM

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Devon County Council

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80400000 - Adult and other education services
• 80500000 - Training services
• 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Delivery regions

• UKK4 - Devon

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

08 May 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

07 May 2031, 23:59PM

Engagement process description

To inform the service provision approach Devon County Council will be undertaking a questionnaire for prospective bidders. The questionnaire will be supported by a Virtual event via Microsoft Teams event on 13th January 2026 at 10 am where further discussion on the Authorities requirement will be discussed.

The submission deadline for the questionnaire is 12 noon 20th January 2025

We want to hear from suppliers, draw on your expertise, and encourage ideas, innovation, and alternative approaches to ensure the specification, tender process, and final contract are effective and attractive.

The opportunity (questionnaire and link to join the virtual event) can be accessed on the SupplyingtheSouthwest portal using the following link.

https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/View?advertId=570c7e8a-a6d9-f011-813c-005056b64545&fromAdvertEvent=True

Click on the link and then you can express an interest in this opportunity by clicking the green button "Login and register interest in this opportunity".

Once you have expressed an interest the system will automatically allow you access to the project documentation that will be stored within "My Activities" in your account on the system.

The Authority will make available all relevant information from this event and questionnaire as part of the publication of the ITT.

Due date

20 January 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

12 February 2026