Description of the goods or services required
Welsh Government has developed two Operations, funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), aimed at tackling poverty in communities through sustainable employment. This will build on the success of Welsh Government’s Communities First programme, Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) Want to Work project and the Communities First and DWP jointly funded Parent Employment Adviser (PEA) initiative. This tender covers both Operations; the first is called the Communities for Work (CfW) Operation and the second Parents, Childcare and Employment Operation (PaCE). The Communities for Work Operation will operate in Communities First clusters only and PaCE will operate exclusively outside Communities First clusters.
The intention is to provide a pan-Wales training programme using ACT’s in house delivery team and current quality assured network of sub-contractors. We invite new suppliers to join our network of sub-providers, in order to deliver the framework courses under this programme.
The programme will follow 2 specific ESF Priorities, these are:
ESF Priority 1: Tackling Poverty through Sustainable Employment: To increase the employability of Economically Inactive and Long Term Unemployed people aged 25 and over, who have complex barriers to employment. This will make up 80% of the provision.
ESF Priority 3: Youth Employment Attainment, To reduce the number of 16-24 year olds who are Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET).
To meet these priorities, the successful sub-contractor will provide a high quality shelf of training provision up to level 2 based on the CQFW. The type of training will include:
1. Personal Development – Motivational, Employability, Job Search, Interview Skills, Essential Skills, Digital / Computer Skills etc.
2. Vocational Skills – Accredited qualifications, Food Hygiene, LGV, HGV, Forklift License, Retail, Health & Social Care etc…
3. Specialist Provision – Bespoke courses tailored to a specific job offer and/or local labour market intelligence
It is essential that the Framework and each subsequent training requirement are delivered in accordance with WEFO guidance. Evidence will be sought to verify that the ESF support has been properly acknowledged throughout the duration of the Framework e.g. correct use of logos on documentation and other publicity and information material, including electronic material.
All systems must be compliant with the Welsh Standards and in line with the Welsh Government’s Welsh Language Scheme and Iaith Pawb, the National Action Plan for a bilingual Wales, where possible; all publicity activity relating to the project should be bilingual. The Welsh Language Standards aim to improve the bilingual services that the people of Wales can expect to receive from their Government. They clearly set out what our responsibilities are in terms of providing excellent bilingual services and ensuring that the Welsh language is not treated any less favourably than the English language.
Potential sub-contractors will be required to undertake a quality, as well as, health and safety risk assessment. This will determine their suitability to deliver the framework courses under this programme. Potential sub-contractors will be observed and monitored for compliance, as part of the quality monitoring process. Where possible, potential sub-contractors will use their premises to deliver training, however, it is the intention to deliver training within the local Communities First and PaCE areas. Health & safety risk assessments will be carried out on local venues being utilised for courses, in order to determine whether they meet the minimum standards.
All trainers employed by potential sub-contractors will be required to have the necessary Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks and evidence of checks supplied. Where these are not satisfactory we will decline to allow the successful subcontractor to continue using the trainer. When the subcontractor wants to use a new trainer they will have to provide a positive DBS before they can work on any course under this Framework Agreement.
Potential sub-contractors will be required to use a fully integrated Learner Management System (LMS) to catalogue provision. The system would also be required to facilitate bookings on to available courses. The training lists on LMS will be designed to have easy access for Communities for Work and PaCE teams. The on-line portal will provide a comprehensive suite of training provision that can be tailored for individuals, groups and specific employment opportunities. This will be operational Summer 2016.
Framework courses and bespoke training for the Communities for Work and PaCE Training Provision is already underway in eight pilot areas throughout Wales. Training for the remaining Communities First Clusters and PaCE areas will be operational by July 2016.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=46260.
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