ESF - Calls for Expressions of Interest 2010

The purpose of this pre qualification questionnaire (PQQ) was to assist Luton Borough Council in establishing a list of preferred supplier organisations to be invited to tender to deliver projects that are co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) during the funding period of 2011 to 2013. The activities offered for tender will provide training and support to help unemployed and economically inactive people (particularly those at a disadvantage in the labour market) to develop their skills and enter sustainable employment.

The activities to be tendered during this funding period include projects to:

• develop personal and employment skills to enable adults (19+) to progress to work, education or training;
• provide training and support for those 16 to 19 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEETs) to help them become re-engaged with education or work. This could include projects using non-traditional approaches such as music or art;
• work with schools and colleges to provide activities for 14 to 16 year olds who are at risk of becoming NEET;
• support the re-engagement of particularly vulnerable young people such as young carers, teenage parents, and those with physical and mental health problems or substance abuse issues;
• support adults with mental health issues into employment;
• provide volunteer training to improve the employability and capacity of third sector organisations and social enterprises;
• provide targeted support for young adults, aged 19 to 24, who are looking to find their first job;
• provide English language training combined with employability skills to help unemployed or economically inactive individuals move into work;
• provide employment support for unemployed and economically inactive individuals who are homeless, or in temporary or hostel accommodation;
• provide support, training and advice for parents and carers (aged 19+) to help them balance these responsibilities while entering into employment or training;
• provide targeted support and training, leading to relevant NVQ 3 qualifications, for managers and employees of small firms in Luton, especially companies in the airport, aerospace and creative industries sectors;
• provide training and support for the employees of tier 1 & 2 organisations in Luton to become more engaged in the renewable energy sector, and to reduce their organisation’s carbon impact, including energy & water efficiency training and environmental management.

In order to be considered for an invitation to tender for one or more of the above activities, an organisation must have successfully completed the pre qualification questionnaire (PQQ) process on www.localgovsourcing.co.uk

The PQQ closed on 17th December 2010 and successful organisations were notified that they are now on the preferred supplier list for ESF co-financed activity.  These organisations will be invited to tender against a published prospectus of activities.