Employment Services for Substance Use Treatment Clients in Leicestershire and Rutland

Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council are seeking a service provider to deliver Individual Placement & Support (IPS) services for adults aged 18 and over receiving substance use treatment in Leicestershire and Rutland. The service targets individuals who are unemployed or at risk of job loss and are legally entitled to work in the UK. The provider must deliver person-centred employment support that includes job search assistance, job matching based on individual preferences, pre-employment guidance, and ongoing in-work support to ensure long-term employment retention. The service must adhere to the eight core IPS principles and meet the 25-item IPS fidelity scale standards. Special consideration must be given to rural accessibility and barriers to employment in the area. The provider will engage with employers, offer benefits advice, and work at pace to move clients into paid, competitive employment while they receive structured treatment for drugs and/or alcohol. The initial 2-year contract value is £463,190 (Year 1: £228,215; Year 2: £234,975), with potential extension to 4 years totalling approximately £975,000 subject to central government funding confirmation. Procurement is conducted under the Public Procurement Regulations 2024 and the Procurement Act 2023.