The Council is seeking to appoint service providers to the Employability Procured Service Arrangement (PSA). This is a bespoke arrangement/flexible framework which has been developed primarily for Employability Services but can be accessed by all services within the Council. The PSA will be procured using the “light touch” procedure set out in Regulations 74 -76 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (“the 2015 Regulations”). This allows the Council to carry out a selection process which adopts the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and transparency and complies with procurement best practice without requiring the use of the traditional open or restricted procedure set out in the 2015 Regulations. The PSA has a broad scope of service delivery with the opportunity for many providers to be appointed. There is no limit on the number of providers who can be appointed to any of the lots under the PSA. The PSA remains open for its lifetime which allows for new providers to be added over its term, at regular intervals which will be advised by the Council. Applicants to the PSA will be evaluated in ‘Phases’, based on the closing date for each Phase. Following the closing of each Phase, the PSA will re-open for new applications for the next Phase.

Work Based Learning

Work Based Learning This lot focuses on the delivery of work-based learning programmes / qualifications which may include industry-specific training to prepare individuals for roles in key employment sectors. Training is designed to meet the current and emerging needs of local employers and industry, equipping participants with the technical knowledge and qualifications required for their chosen field. Services may include but is not limited to: The delivery of vocational qualifications e.g. SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social care or childcare, Foundation Apprenticeship level 4 or 5 in Construction / Auto engineering / Hospitality. Sector based work academies The delivery of certificated training e.g. Emergency First Aid, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Level 1 award, REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene, moving and handling. Pre-employment training including a blend of employability skills e.g. communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, critical or creative thinking. This lot will be procured through the Procured Services Arrangement (PSA).

Targeted Support Services

Targeted Support Services This lot is aimed at delivering services targeted at individuals with multiple barriers to employment who require individually tailored support to gain employment or further learning / training. This may be delivered as individual one-to-one keyworker support or as a group-based employability programme. This lot will be procured via a Procured Services Arrangement (PSA).

Health, wellbeing and financial support

Health, wellbeing and financial support This lot supports the holistic development of individuals by addressing health and wellbeing barriers that may hinder employability by delivering activities that promote mental health, physical wellness, and resilience in the workplace. Bidders will be expected to deliver a range of services designed to address specific issues relating to health and wellbeing and specific barriers including debt and financial issues. Activities may include but is not limited to: Support to improve health and fitness Delivery of activities designed to increase engagement and confidence including arts and crafts, cultural activity Counselling and mental health support Advice and guidance relating to alcohol and drug misuse Financial advice and support Therapeutic interventions Specialist supports and interventions This lot will be procured via a Procured Service Arrangement (PSA).

Other

Other Employability Services This lot serves as a flexible category to accommodate employability services and programmes that do not fall within the specific scope of Lots 1-3 but still contribute to supporting individuals towards positive employment or learning outcomes. It allows for innovative, niche, or emerging provision that addresses unique challenges or opportunities within the local labour market. This lot will be procured via a Procured Services Arrangement (PSA).