Inclusion onto DWP CAHERS framework allows Collab Group colleges to help facilitate a skills-led economic recovery

@CollabGrp wins place on @DWP Commercial agreement for the provision of employment and health services (#CAHERS) 

We are delighted to announce that a consortium of Collab Group colleges, led By Sheffield College, has been successful in its application to be a supplier on the DWP Commercial agreement for the provision of employment and health services (CAHERS). The framework will run for a maximum of 5 years with a value of approximately £8 billion. The new framework will replace the existing Umbrella Agreement, which is due to expire in January 2021. 

This outcome represents the first time that a consortium of colleges has successfully achieved inclusion onto a major DWP contractual framework.

The consortium was successful in winning a place on Tier 2 of Lot 4, which allows suppliers to bid for contracts with a maximum value of £11 million in the Southern England region.

The win is a landmark opportunity for Collab Group colleges and for further education, showing that when we collaborate, we can win in non-traditional areas of activity. It demonstrates the fantastic work that Collab Group colleges are already doing locally with the Department for Work and Pensions and Job Centre Plus.

Inclusion onto the framework will allow Collab Group colleges to provide a coordinated response to local labour market challenges, help people back into work, and facilitate a skills-led economic recovery.

Ian Pretty Chief Executive of Collab Group said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Collab Group Colleges and the further education sector. Colleges are already doing fantastic work in their local areas to support people back into work. Inclusion on the framework allows colleges to expand their offerings and provide transformational support to individuals.

Skills and training need to be at the heart of the response to the looming challenge of high levels of unemployment. The inclusion onto the CAHERS framework allows Collab Group colleges to build on the fantastic work they are already doing and help facilitate a skills-led economic recovery.”