Winnable

Open tenders / Health & social care

Open tender · Notice 105240-2026

Employment Readiness and Progression Support Service - Portsmouth 2026

Portsmouth City Council

Value
£470k
Closes
3 Dec 2026 (25 days)
Where
South East
Lots
1
Suitable for SMEs
Yes, says the buyer
Contract
1 Apr 2027 – 31 Mar 2029

In plain English

Portsmouth City Council wants a provider to run a service helping adults aged 18 and over with a learning disability, autism or neurodivergence get ready for paid work, through assessments, skills support, work experience and employer links. It starts on 1 April 2027 for two years, with a possible extension up to five years in total, at an indicative budget of about £80,000 a year excluding VAT (estimated value £470,000).

Good fit for: Specialist supported-employment or learning disability and autism support providers, such as charities and social enterprises, working in the Portsmouth area.

The catch (with the notice's own words):
  • Must mobilise the service before the 1 April 2027 start The successful Provider will also be required to mobilise the service prior to the Contract Commencement Date.
  • Fixed budget of about £80,000 a year indicative budget of approximately £80,000 per annum excluding VAT

Written with AI from the official notice. Check the notice before relying on it.

What the buyer says

Portsmouth City Council ('the Council') is inviting tenders from suitably qualified Providers to provide a specialist Employment Readiness and Progression Support Service for adults aged 18 and over who have a learning disability and/or are autistic or self-identify as neurodivergent. The Contract will commence on 1 April 2027 for an initial term of two years. The Council may, at its sole discretion, extend the Contract for one or more further periods, provided that the total Contract term does not exceed five years from the Contract Commencement Date. The Council has identified an indicative budget of approximately £80,000 per annum excluding VAT for delivery of the Service and is seeking proposals that demonstrate how the best possible outcomes can be achieved within the available funding. The successful Provider will be required to deliver the Services in accordance with the Contract, Specification, submitted Tender and any agreed mobilisation arrangements. Background information The Council currently commissions a specialist employment support service for adults with a learning disability. Through service review, preliminary market engagement and wider employment pathway development work, the Council has identified an opportunity to remodel the service to create a clearer progression route towards employment for adults with a learning disability and autistic and neurodivergent adults. The Council recognises that many individuals who aspire to paid employment require additional support before they are ready to engage successfully with employment-focused programmes. People may require support to build confidence, independence, work-related routines, practical skills, travel confidence, workplace understanding and relevant experience before progressing towards employm…

Read the official notice Tender documents

Getting the documents

in-tendhost.co.uk (the buyer's own site, usually free to register).

Procedure: Below threshold - open competition (Open: anyone can bid (a lower-value contract with lighter rules)). Published 5 Nov 2026.

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