What are you looking for in a delivery partner?

From the guidance we got from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), we know that delivering the programme successfully will mean getting sustainable job outcomes at 13 and 26 weeks. We are looking for organisations that can support us in achieving this, with an evidence base to show capacity and capability. A typical flexible New Deal (fND) region will support about 7,000 clients in the first year.

 

Can we support Working Links in more than one region for fND?

Yes. We’d be happy to build a working relationship with you in more

than one region.

 

We don’t deliver an ‘end to end’ service – where do we fit in?

Providing a service at any stage of a client’s journey is crucial to overall delivery, from tackling drug and alcohol problems to placing them with employers. We’re looking for partners to be involved in one or many areas of delivery, focusing on finding sustained employment for a client.

 

Can we get sub-contracting arrangements from Working Links to deliver an ‘end to end’ service?

Yes. On an evidence base of managing the journey for clients from an initial meeting through to securing sustainable employment, we would welcome any approach to support the wider delivery of this programme. The task of managing relationships with about 7000 clients a year and securing outcomes in a typical fND region is one requiring a collective approach.

           

What types of client will be coming through the fND programme?

These clients will be the hardest to help. They will have a range of challenging barriers to work. More specifically:

• Ex-offenders
• Those with learning difficulties and mental health problems
• People with basic skills needs
• Substance abusers (drugs or alcohol)
• People with physical disabilities, caring responsibilities and cultural differences.

 

What volumes are you looking for partners to deliver?

With an average of 7,000 clients a year in each fND region, we hope to get agreements to help reasonable numbers of people into work. We expect that many different organisations will want to carry out activities at a level where it is financially viable.

 

What contract terms will be in place?

These are still to be agreed. Prime Contractors will only be paid by DWP on securing outcomes.

 

How will the prime contractor / sub contractor relationship work?

We’ll encourage you to build capacity to deliver over time. With a likely seven year relationship in place, and an ever changing market place, having a flexible approach to delivery will be crucial.

           

How will sub contractors be paid?

This is still to be agreed. Prime Contractors will only be paid by DWP on securing outcomes.

 

Do sub contractors need any form of accreditation to deliver?

We want to encourage quality throughout the delivery of this programme. We would expect a baseline of recognition associated with current delivery and firm aspirations to build on this.

 

What do we do next to get involved?

Please complete this online form. We we’ll send out an ‘Invitation to Tender’ which will provide a base to progress any future working relationship.