Careers Support for Young People

Department for EducationcontractFind a TenderRef ocds-h6vhtk-066c17Procurement Act 2023SME suitableVCSE suitableplanned
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Estimated value

£180.0m

services

Awarded value

Suppliers

0

Lots

1

0 awarded

Published

20 May 2026

This is a preliminary market engagement notice

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Description

We want to secure a new service to be operational from September 2027 to support schools, colleges and other education providers to deliver high quality careers programmes, and to work in partnership with SAs/LAs and employers to improve careers provision, and work experience with the purpose of securing better education, training and employment outcomes for young people. The supplier must also provide grant funding for the existing network of local careers hub partnerships and support the network to continue to provide full geographical coverage across England. The purpose of the careers hubs is to support schools and colleges in each area to improve their careers guidance programmes against the Gatsby Benchmarks of good career guidance, and to secure work experience by engaging employers to facilitate employer engagement in careers programmes. The current funding estimates are between £90m and £180m for a 3-5 year agreement, plus a mobilisation period of up to 6 months if required. Funding estimates referenced are indicative only and subject to change. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final scope or funding envelope of any future contractual activity.

Scope

Reference
project_10249 / ssq_747
Total value
£180,000,000 excluding VAT
Commercial tool
Standalone contract
Contract dates
01 Mar 2027 to 31 Aug 2030
Possible extension to 31 Aug 2032

A mobilisation period of up to six months may be required, starting from March 2027. Following mobilisation, the successful bidder will deliver the contract for an initial three-year term, commencing September 2027, with an option to extend for up to a further two years at the Department for Education’s sole discretion. All dates are indicative.

Main category
services
CPV classifications
80000000
79634000
Contract locations
UK, United Kingdom
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)