Tender: Employment Readiness and Progression Support Service – Portsmouth (Adults with Learning Disabilities, Autistic and Neurodivergent)

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Portsmouth City Council is seeking a supplier for 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 start on 1 April 2027 for an initial two-year term, with the Council able to extend up to a maximum total term of five years; the Council has identified an indicative core budget of approximately £80,000 per annum excluding VAT and an indicative allowance of £8,000 per annum excluding VAT for Personal Budgets and Individual Service Funds, and a procurement planning maximum total value of £467,203.95 exclusive of VAT. The Provider will deliver an accessible, strengths-based, person-centred service focused on work-readiness and progression through strengths-based assessments, co-produced employment plans, tailored individual and group support, confidence and independence building, travel and workplace skills, access to volunteering and work experience, employer engagement, referral and progression arrangements with Connect to Work, embedding co-production and lived experience, performance reporting, and mobilisation activities to ensure the service is fully operational from the contract commencement date. The Council considers TUPE likely to apply and will provide any TUPE information subject to a Non-Disclosure Agreement; key procurement dates include publication of documents on 5 November 2026, clarification deadline 26 November 2026 (17:00), tender return deadline 3 December 2026 (17:00), and mobilisation from 23 January to 31 March 2027.