Engagement Gateway...New Deadline

Engagement Gateway & Intermediate Labour Market Schemes: New Deadline for Organisations to Tender for Contracts


The Engagement Gateway Scheme and the Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) Scheme  have re-opened their approved supplier lists  providing a second opportunity for organisations to become eligible to tender for contracts in Convergence areas of Wales. POwys remains of course within the Competitive region and its date will be announced in due course. If  a Powys agency was looking to deliver contracts in a convergence area then this given date is relevant.


The schemes, backed by over £50 million of European and Welsh Assembly Government funding, aim to tackle economic inactivity by investing in organisations that give people facing barriers to employment the skills and opportunities to get back into work.


The Gateway and ILM schemes, first launched at the end of 2008, and are now issuing tender opportunities of up to £150,000 and £300,000 respectively.


The schemes aim to move different economically inactive groups towards employment through the support of contracted organisations.  Organisations contracted under the Gateway will be expected to develop the skills and confidence of target groups and link progress to a 'next step' such as a referral to another project, volunteering, training, supported or non-supported employment.


The ILM scheme requires organisations to offer on-the-job training and support to target groups via a period of supported employment.


Contracts will be granted through a tendering process to deliver projects throughout Wales.  Organisations may be operating in the public, private or third sector.


To join the approved supplier lists, organisations will need to complete and submit a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) by 1pm on Friday 29 January 2010.




http://www.wcva.org.uk/