Adult Skills Training Provider Framework - Sunderland City Council

Sunderland City Council is establishing a flexible framework to appoint training providers to deliver adult skills programmes. The framework includes three funding streams: Skills Foundation (Lot 1), Skills Activation (Lot 2), and Skills for Work (Lot 3). This is a light touch procurement under the Procurement Act 2023, with the framework subject to periodic reopenings to allow new providers to apply. The Council reserves the right to modify the framework structure, add new lots, or revise existing categories as needed. Successful providers will deliver against clearly defined performance measures including learner participation, retention, achievement, and progression to employment. The Learning, Skills and Employability Service will actively monitor performance and support continuous improvement throughout delivery. All provision must align with Sunderland's Skills and Employment Strategy 2026-2030 and the New Deal for North East Workers, emphasising inclusive economic growth, fair work practices, and support for those furthest from the labour market. Importantly, subcontracting any part of the contract is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic rejection. Evaluation will use the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) criteria, considering quality, price, and social value. Suppliers unable to meet Stage One selection criteria may reapply when the framework reopens. A supplier briefing session will be held via Microsoft Teams on 2 July 2026 at 2:00pm.