Connect to Work - Market Engagement

Procurement reference

DN795204

Procurement description

Connect to Work Programme

Online Market Engagement Event

Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025

Time: 10:30 – 12:30

Eventbrite Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-to-work-market-engagement-tickets-1851343190319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Teams Link: Available within the Eventbrite page

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) invites interested organisations to an online market engagement session for the upcoming Connect to Work Programme.

Connect to Work is being delivered as part of new Mayoral powers to convene local supported employment provision, contributing to both the national “Get Britain Working” plan and the Local Growth Plan.

A core aim of the Government’s economic growth mission is to build an inclusive labour market, improve living standards, and ensure sustainable funding for public services. Connect to Work supports the Government's ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate, forming a key component of reforms to employment support — integrating skills, health, and pathways into sustained employment.

As the Lead Authority and Accountable Body for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, CPCA will commission, implement, and manage the Connect to Work Programme. Delivery will align with local priorities and will be supported through partnerships with health services, employers, and wider system stakeholders to enhance regional awareness and collaboration.

This market engagement session will provide system partners with an update on the programme’s progress and give potential Prime Providers an overview of the planned approach ahead of the formal procurement process.

This session will offer:

- An update on the programme’s development and objectives.

- Insight for prospective Prime Providers and system partners ahead of the procurement launch.

- An opportunity to discuss delivery expectations and collaboration opportunities.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions – CPCA representatives

2. Programme Update – Status of Connect to Work and system development

3. Specification Overview – Key delivery themes and requirements

4. Procurement Process – Next steps and indicative timeline

5. Q&A Session

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
• UKH11 - Peterborough

Total value (estimated)

12291042 GBP Excluding VAT

14750000 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

01 April 2026, 00:00AM to 31 March 2028, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 March 2030

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 79634000 - Career guidance services
• 79600000 - Recruitment services
• 80521000 - Training programme services
• 80570000 - Personal development training services
• 79611000 - Job search services

Delivery regions

• UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
• UKH11 - Peterborough

Contract start date (estimated)

01 April 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 March 2028, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 March 2030, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

Connect to Work Programme

Online Market Engagement Event

Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025

Time: 10:30 – 12:30

Eventbrite Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-to-work-market-engagement-tickets-1851343190319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Teams Link: Available within the Eventbrite page

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) invites interested organisations to an online market engagement session for the upcoming Connect to Work Programme.

Connect to Work is being delivered as part of new Mayoral powers to convene local supported employment provision, contributing to both the national “Get Britain Working” plan and the Local Growth Plan.

A core aim of the Government’s economic growth mission is to build an inclusive labour market, improve living standards, and ensure sustainable funding for public services. Connect to Work supports the Government's ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate, forming a key component of reforms to employment support — integrating skills, health, and pathways into sustained employment.

As the Lead Authority and Accountable Body for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, CPCA will commission, implement, and manage the Connect to Work Programme. Delivery will align with local priorities and will be supported through partnerships with health services, employers, and wider system stakeholders to enhance regional awareness and collaboration.

This market engagement session will provide system partners with an update on the programme’s progress and give potential Prime Providers an overview of the planned approach ahead of the formal procurement process.

This session will offer:

- An update on the programme’s development and objectives.

- Insight for prospective Prime Providers and system partners ahead of the procurement launch.

- An opportunity to discuss delivery expectations and collaboration opportunities.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions – CPCA representatives

2. Programme Update – Status of Connect to Work and system development

3. Specification Overview – Key delivery themes and requirements

4. Procurement Process – Next steps and indicative timeline

5. Q&A Session

Due date

06 November 2025, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No