Tender: Open Framework for Employability and Skills Delivery – Belfast City Council (5 Lots)

About

Belfast City Council is seeking suppliers for an Open Framework Agreement to deliver agile employability and skills solutions across five lots: Lot 1 – Care Sectors (Health/Social Care/Education/Playwork/Childminding); Lot 2 – Customer Services (Leisure/Hospitality/Retail/Tourism/Beauty); Lot 3 – Practical Sectors (Transport/Green Economy/Construction/Manufacturing); Lot 4 – Professional and Business Services Sectors (Business/Technology); and Lot 5 – Employability Support (language/Soft Skills/Capacity Building). The framework is designed to provide flexible responses to emerging labour market needs, new initiatives and specialist delivery, including work in areas not covered by the current Employment Academy Framework (T2474) or to pick up overflow if T2474 contractors are at capacity. The Open Framework will be open to SMEs and Social Enterprises/Not-for-Profits with opportunities to re-open for new entrants; there is no guarantee of work and any call-off will only proceed after workplan and budget approval, then a direct award or mini-competition, and delegated authority approval. The Open Framework is intended to commence in October 2026, awarded initially for two years to October 2028, and the overall Open Framework Scheme will not exceed eight years from the first framework commencement.