Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programme and Associated Services

Skills Development Scotland Ltd (SDS) is seeking providers for a new framework covering occupational health, employee assistance, psychological therapies, neurodiversity support and associated workplace wellbeing services across Scotland.

The framework has an estimated total value of £460,000 excluding VAT and is divided into eight lots, allowing suppliers to tender for one or more areas of provision.

Services range from occupational health assessments and 24/7 employee assistance through to specialist psychological therapies, neurodiversity assessments, workplace equipment and assistive technology.

Lots Available

The framework is divided into eight lots:

Lot 1 – Occupational Health (OH) Services

Work-focused medical assessments and clinical advice covering areas including fitness for work, workplace adjustments, health surveillance and case-specific guidance for SDS management.

The service will focus on medical and capability advice within a workplace context and mandated work-related interventions where applicable.

Lot 2 – Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

A confidential 24/7 counselling and advice service for employees and immediate family members, including short-term telephone, online and in-person counselling.

The service will also provide practical advice across areas such as legal, financial and family matters, alongside clinical triage where individuals may require further intervention or referral.

Providers will also work with SDS communications teams to promote awareness and appropriate use of the service.

Lot 3 – Specialist Psychological Therapies

Specialist interventions beyond the short-term counselling available through the core EAP service.

Provision may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused counselling and other structured psychological interventions. Services will be accessed through call-off arrangements following an EAP or management recommendation.

Lot 4 – Manager Support Service

A non-clinical advice and coaching helpline for SDS managers dealing with challenging workplace situations involving employee wellbeing.

Support may include guidance around sensitive conversations, supporting employees experiencing mental health difficulties and crisis situations.

The service will not provide HR, legal or procedural advice, with responsibility for employment decisions and policy interpretation remaining with SDS.

Lot 5 – Neurodiversity Assesssments

Specialist assessments for employees who may be neurodivergent, delivered by qualified practitioners and providing workplace-focused recommendations.

Lot 6 – Neurodiversity Coaching/Training

Post-assessment coaching and training designed to help individuals or teams implement workplace adjustments and develop capability.

Lot 7 – Reasonable Adjustment Equipment and Ergonomic Kit

Supply of recommended workplace adjustments through predefined catalogues and pricing. This may include chairs, desks, peripherals and other appropriate equipment.

Lot 8 – Assistive Technology (AT) Software and Training

Provision of specialist software for disabled and neurodivergent employees, alongside training to support its effective use.

Contract Information

• Buyer: Skills Development Scotland Ltd
• Deadline: 2 October 2026, 12:00pm
• Contract Value: £460,000 excluding VAT
• Delivery Length: 2 years, with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12-month periods
• Tender Link: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=841833

The framework will operate across Scotland and is expected to include several providers, with a maximum of 21 participants envisaged.

Suppliers may submit tenders for all lots.

Evaluation Criteria

Each lot will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Quality – 70%
• Price – 30%

Economic, financial, technical and professional requirements are set out within the tender documentation.

Procurement Process

The opportunity is being procured through an open procedure and will establish a multi-provider framework agreement.

Electronic submissions are accepted through Public Contracts Scotland, with tenders required to be submitted in English.

The procurement also provides for electronic ordering, invoicing and payment.

Suppliers are advised to allow sufficient time to upload and submit their documentation ahead of the closing deadline.

The opportunity provides access to a diverse range of workplace health and wellbeing requirements across Skills Development Scotland. Its eight-lot structure creates opportunities for both broader occupational health providers and specialist organisations delivering psychological therapies, neurodiversity services, workplace adjustments and assistive technology.

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