Original Tender Description
Sunderland City Council ("the Contracting Authority", "the Authority" and/ or "the Council") is seeking to appoint training providers ("Suppliers") to Deliver Adult Skills Programme Provision.
Opportunities available for the Adult Skills Programme are categorised in accordance with the following funding streams to be incorporated into the structure of a Flexible Framework ("the Framework"):
Lot 1 - Skills Foundation
Lot 2 - Skills Activation
Lot 3 - Skills for Work
Procurement Procedure:
This procurement involves the establishment of a light touch flexible framework under Section 45 of the Procurement Act 2023 ("the Act") using the flexibilities permitted under the Act in respect to light touch contracts (defined under Section 9 of the Act). The Flexible Framework will be use primarily for the future award of light touch services of adult training and learning provision.
The Council reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to amend the structure of the Framework at any time, including (but not limited to) the addition of new Lots and/or the revision, consolidation, or reclassification of existing Lot headings where required to reflect programme needs, funding changes, or strategic priorities for the remaining duration of the Framework.
The Framework shall be reopened in accordance with the Procurement Timetable to facilitate the admission of new entrants.
In the event that a Supplier does not successfully satisfy the Stage One - Selection Criteria and associated Minimum Requirements ("Stage One"), this shall not preclude the Supplier from future participation. Such Suppliers will be permitted to submit a new application upon any subsequent reopening of the Framework in accordance with the Procurement Timetable.
Contract opportunities shall be issued via the relevant funding stream and evaluated in accordance with the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) criteria, with due consideration given to quality, price, and social value.
The Council's Learning, Skills and Employability Service ("LSE") is responsible for commissioning and managing this programme to ensure that adult learners develop the skills, knowledge and qualifications required to secure sustainable employment, progress in work and improve life chances. The Service has an established track record of working effectively with subcontracted training providers and applies robust contract management, performance monitoring and quality assurance arrangements to ensure high-quality delivery, measurable learner progression and value for public investment.
A key focus of the Adult Skills Programme will be the achievement of agreed contract outcomes and outputs. Subcontracted providers will be required to deliver against clearly defined performance measures, including learner participation, retention, achievement, progression and positive destinations.
The LSE will actively monitor performance throughout the funding year and work with Suppliers to support continuous improvement, ensuring delivery remains compliant with funding rules, contractual requirements and learner and employer needs.
The commissioning approach is informed by local, regional and national priorities, with particular emphasis on regional needs and opportunities affecting Sunderland and the wider North East. Provision commissioned through this programme will align with Sunderland City Council's Skills and Employment Strategy 2026-2030, supporting inclusive economic growth, improved productivity and progression opportunities for residents. In addition, delivery is expected to reflect the principles of the New Deal for North East Workers, promoting fair work, improved access to skills, better employment outcomes and targeted support for those furthest from the labour market.
Suppliers must note that the subcontracting of any part of the requirements under this Procurement is strictly prohibited. Any indication by a Supplier of an intention to subcontract any part of a Call Off Contract will result in an automatic failure at Stage One, the bid will therefore not proceed to further evaluation.
Suppliers should therefore review the contents of the procurement documentation including the Specification in detail.
Please note a supplier briefing session will be held via Microsoft Teams at 2:00pm Thursday 2nd July 2026 if you would like to attend please request an invite via the correspondence section in OPEN detailing email addresses of who would like to attend.