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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Employability Services Procured Service Arrangement - Phase 3

South Lanarkshire Council · tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 4 Oct 2026, 16:51.

Opportunity overview

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.

Classification

  • CPV80000000 — Education and training services
  • CPV80200000 — Secondary education services
  • CPV80210000 — Technical and vocational secondary education services
  • CPV80211000 — Technical secondary education services
  • CPV80212000 — Vocational secondary education services
  • CPV80300000 — Higher education services
  • CPV80310000 — Youth education services
  • CPV80420000 — E-learning services
  • CPV80530000 — Vocational training services

Lots

  • Work Based LearningValue not stated
  • Targeted Support ServicesValue not stated
  • Health, wellbeing and financial supportValue not stated
  • OtherValue not stated

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
SLC/CE/24/066
Status
active
Main Procurement Category
services
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Has Recurrence
Yes

Legal basis

Id
32014L0024
Scheme
CELEX

Classification

Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services

Lot Details

Submission Method

electronicSubmission

Communication

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
suitability
Description
SPD Question 2.C.1 Reliance on the capacities of other entities Applicants are required to complete a full SPD for each of the entities whose capacity they rely upon. SPD Question 2.D.1 Subcontractors on whose capacity the Applicant does not rely Applicants are required to complete a shortened version of the SPD for each Subcontractor on whose capacity the Applicant does not rely on. SPD Question 4A.1 Trade Registers It is a requirement of this tender that if the Applicant is UK based they must hold a valid registration with Companies House. Where the Applicant is UK based but not registered at Companies House they must be able to verify to the Councils satisfaction that they are trading from the address provided in the tender and under the company name given. If the Applicant is based out-with the UK they must be enrolled in the relevant professional or trade register appropriate to their country as described in Schedule 5 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Applies To

supplier
Criterion 2
Type
economic
Description
SPD Question 4B.4 Economic and Financial Standing The Council will use the following ratios to evaluate a Applicants financial status: Profitability – this is taken as profit after tax but before dividends and minority interests. If a company makes a profit then it is a pass for this ratio; Liquidity – this is calculated as current assets less stock and work in progress, divided by current liabilities. If the answer is greater than or equal to one then it is a pass for this ratio Gearing – this is calculated as the total external secured borrowing (short term and long term) divided by shareholder funds expressed as a percentage. If the answer is less than or equal to 100% it is considered a pass for this ratio. Applicants must provide the name and value of each of the 3 ratios within their response to SPD question 4B.4. The Council requires Applicants to pass 2 out of the 3 financial ratios above. Where 2 out of the 3 ratios cannot be met, the Council may take the undernoted into consideration when assessing financial viability and the risk to the Council, providing that the Applicant can supply evidence to substantiate any of the mitigating criteria when requested to do so. The following list is not exhaustive and other criteria may be considered where proposed by a Applicant as mitigating factors: Would the Applicant have passed the checks if prior year accounts had been used? Were any of the poor appraisal outcomes "marginal"? Does the Applicant operate in a market which, traditionally, requires lower liquidity or higher debt finance? Does the Applicant have sufficient reserves to sustain losses for a number of years? Does the Applicant have a healthy cashflow? Is the Applicant profitable enough to finance the interest on its debt? Is most of the Applicant's debt owed to group companies? Is the Applicant's debt due to be repaid over a number of years, and affordable? Have the Applicant's results been adversely affected by "one off costs" and / or "one off accounting treatments"? Do the Applicant's auditors (where applicable) consider it to be a "going concern"? Will the Applicant provide a Parent Company Guarantee? Is the Applicant the single supplier/source of the Goods/Works/Services in the marketplace? The Council will request submission of and assess the Applicants financial accounts, and may use financial verification systems to validate the information provided. SPD Question 4B.5 Insurance The Applicant must confirm that they have or will commit to obtain prior to the commencement of the contract, the following levels of Insurance Cover: Employer’s Liability Insurance covering the death of or bodily injuries to employees of the Applicant arising out of and in the course of their employment in connection with this contract to the level of 10000000 GBP in respect of each claim, without limit to the number of claims. Public Liability Insurance covering the death of or bodily injury to a person (not an employee of the Applicant) or loss of or damage to property resulting from an action or failure to take action by the Applicant to the level of 5000000 GBP in respect of each claim, without limit to the number of claims.

Applies To

supplier
Criterion 3
Type
technical
Description
SPD Question 4C.1.2 Technical and Professional Ability The applicant(s) recommended for award to the PSA will be training providers with experience delivering vocational and/or employability training, interventions, or support to South Lanarkshire Councils key priority groups. Applicants are required to provide examples that demonstrate their relevant experience delivering such services over the last 3 years. With reference to the nature and details of the services to be supplied under the PSA Lots, 3 relevant examples of a similar size and nature are to be provided of the services delivered by the applicant in the last 3 years. The details should include but need not be limited to: - The training delivered and qualifications gained. - To whom training was delivered, including quantities for training and qualifications gained / not gained. - Involvement of the service users in planning / meeting outcomes. - Duration and content, including how content was adapted to meet the service users’ needs. - Steps taken to keep service users on track to gain the qualification. - Remediation training employed to achieve successful outcomes. Please Note: Applicants should evidence 3 experiences for each Lot being applied for. SPD Question 4C.6 Technical and Professional Ability (Qualifications) It is a mandatory requirement of this PSA that all individuals who will be engaged in the delivery of the contract must be appropriately vetted in accordance with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. SPD Question 4C.6.1 Technical and Professional Ability (Qualifications) It is a mandatory requirement of this tender that all the Applicants staff who will be involved in delivering services under the PSA have the relevant PVG Scheme Membership in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. SPD Question 4D.1 Quality Assurance Schemes It is a requirement of this tender that the Applicant recommended for award holds the following Quality Assurance scheme membership: ISO 90001:2015 Quality Management System OR an internal Quality Management System as detailed in the ITT.

Applies To

supplier

Contract terms

Performance Terms
As detailed within the ITT.
Has Electronic Ordering
Yes
Electronic Invoicing Policy
allowed
Has Electronic Payment
Yes

Covered By

GPA

Tender Period

Ends
3 Jun 2026, 12:00

Submission terms

Languages

en

Bid Validity Period

Duration In Days
90

Expected award period

Starts
3 Jun 2026, 12:00

Bid Opening

Date
3 Jun 2026, 12:00

Address

Street Address
South Lanarkshire Council

Recurrence

Description
The PSA will be published and evaluated in phases. On closing of the current phase, the Council will publish the next phase with a closing date of 3 months from publication date. Bidders can apply for appointment to the PSA throughout its term. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
2
Title
Targeted Support Services
Description
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).
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
No
Status
active

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Quality
Type
quality
Description
90
Criterion 2
Type
price
Description
10

Contract period

Duration In Days
3,600

Renewal

Description
On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Submission terms

Variant Policy
notAllowed
Entry 2
Id
4
Title
Other
Description
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).
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
No
Status
active

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Quality
Type
quality
Description
90
Criterion 2
Type
price
Description
10

Contract period

Duration In Days
3,600

Renewal

Description
On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Submission terms

Variant Policy
notAllowed
Entry 3
Id
1
Title
Work Based Learning
Description
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).
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
No
Status
active

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Quality
Type
quality
Description
90
Criterion 2
Type
price
Description
10

Contract period

Duration In Days
3,600

Renewal

Description
On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Submission terms

Variant Policy
notAllowed
Entry 4
Id
3
Title
Health, wellbeing and financial support
Description
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).
Has Renewal
Yes
Has Options
No
Status
active

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Quality
Type
quality
Description
90
Criterion 2
Type
price
Description
10

Contract period

Duration In Days
3,600

Renewal

Description
On completion of the initial evaluation process and appointment of Bidders to the Procured Services Arrangement, the ITT will reopen to new bids. The ITT will remain open for the lifetime of the PSA. There are no limits to the number of times that bidders can submit bids.

Submission terms

Variant Policy
notAllowed

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80210000
Description
Technical and vocational secondary education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80211000
Description
Technical secondary education services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
80212000
Description
Vocational secondary education services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
80310000
Description
Youth education services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
80420000
Description
E-learning services
Entry 9
Scheme
CPV
Id
80530000
Description
Vocational training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKM95

Delivery Location

Description
South Lanarkshire
Item 2
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80210000
Description
Technical and vocational secondary education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80211000
Description
Technical secondary education services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
80212000
Description
Vocational secondary education services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
80310000
Description
Youth education services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
80420000
Description
E-learning services
Entry 9
Scheme
CPV
Id
80530000
Description
Vocational training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKM95

Delivery Location

Description
South Lanarkshire
Item 3
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80210000
Description
Technical and vocational secondary education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80211000
Description
Technical secondary education services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
80212000
Description
Vocational secondary education services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
80310000
Description
Youth education services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
80420000
Description
E-learning services
Entry 9
Scheme
CPV
Id
80530000
Description
Vocational training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKM95

Delivery Location

Description
South Lanarkshire
Item 4
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80000000
Description
Education and training services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80210000
Description
Technical and vocational secondary education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80211000
Description
Technical secondary education services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
80212000
Description
Vocational secondary education services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
80310000
Description
Youth education services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
80420000
Description
E-learning services
Entry 9
Scheme
CPV
Id
80530000
Description
Vocational training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKM95

Delivery Location

Description
South Lanarkshire

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
South Lanarkshire Council
Id
GB-FTS-129427

Identifier

Legal Name
South Lanarkshire Council

Address

Street Address
Council Headquarters, Almada Street, Almada Street
Locality
Hamilton
Region
UKM95
Postal Code
ML3 0AA
Country Name
United Kingdom

Contact

Name
Kirsty Stewart

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
TED_CA_TYPE
Id
REGIONAL_AUTHORITY
Description
Regional or local authority
Entry 2
Scheme
COFOG
Id
09
Description
Education
Organisation 2
Name
Hamilton Sheriff Court
Id
GB-FTS-6287

Identifier

Legal Name
Hamilton Sheriff Court

Address

Street Address
Sheriff Court House, 4 Beckford Street,
Locality
Hamilton
Postal Code
ML3 0BT
Country Name
United Kingdom

Contact

Telephone
+44 1698282957

Roles

reviewBody

Details

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Hamilton · UKM95 · ML3 0AA · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKM95

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. 018725-2026tender ·