Access to Employment Programme

Procurement reference

NLFC-C428139

Procurement description

North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) Access to Employment Programme Pre Market Engagement Event

This notice is placed as an early engagement notice to inform the market of the North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) intention to deliver an Access to Employment Programme, to be delivered by Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.

Description:

NLFC commissions and delivers adult secure inpatient and specialist forensic community services for the population of North London, operating across three integrated care system (ICB’s); North Central london (NCL), North East London (NEL) and North West London (NWL)

NLFC intends to commission a new Employment Pathways Programme to expand access to work‑based, vocational and on‑the‑job learning opportunities for people using forensic mental health services across NCL, NEL and NWL. This programme will complement existing clinical Education, Training and Employment pathways by increasing opportunities for practical, on the job work‑based learning and training delivered through VCFSE organisations.

The programme will be delivered through multiple awards, combining both local ICB‑level initiatives and system‑wide vocational opportunities to create a diverse and accessible portfolio of work‑based placements across the Collaborative

This opportunity is open exclusively to VCFSE organisations

Main category

Services

Total value (estimated)

375000.00 GBP Excluding VAT

450000.00 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

01 July 2026, 00:00AM to 31 March 2027, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 March 2029

North London NHS Foundation Trust

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 July 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 March 2027, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 March 2029, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

Virtual Market Engagement Event

NLFC wishes to hold an online Market Engagement Event where they will provide more detail on the service, gauge the level of interest from potential providers and to engage with interested parties to gather feedback on specific aspects of the future service specification and best approach.

Date: 17 March

Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

To register for the webinar overview session please click on the procurement portal https://atamis-1928.lightning.force.com/lightning/r/ProSpend__Proc_Contract__c/a07Pz00001OfRlQIAV/view (please complete register if needed) to confirm your attendance.

PARTICIPATION

Particular suitability: Providers with referenceable experience in providing similar services to public sector bodies via contracts of a similar profile, scale and complexity.

SUBMISSION

North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) is conducting this PME in accordance with Section 16 of the UK Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023). The purpose is to engage with the market to inform the design of a future procurement for Access to Employment Programme.

The subsequent procurement is anticipated to be conducted under the Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with Section 24 of the Procurement Act 2023, including a pre-qualification stage. The Trust reserves the right not to proceed to tender.

OBJECTIVES OF PME

The objectives of this PME are to:

• Gather market intelligence on Access to Employment solutions.

• Understand supplier capabilities, innovation potential, and commercial models.

• Ensure accessibility and inclusion for SMEs and VCSEs.

• Shape a procurement strategy that delivers social value and sustainability.

ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

Webinar Overview Session – 17th March 2026 15:00 GMT (MS Teams) Overview of project scope, approach and Q&A with Trust and HealthTrust Europe LLP.

Optional Innovation 1-to-1 Meetings –

Suppliers may be invited to discuss their approach and answer further questions from Trust clinical, operational, technical and procurement personnel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Suppliers are encouraged to register early.

• Participation does not constitute pre-qualification of any future procurement

Any questions please contact: Serena McCabe

Tel: 02087023814 Email: serena.mccabe@nhs.net

Due date

17 March 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No