Step into Health Services

NHS England is seeking a supplier to deliver the Step into Health programme, a national workforce support service designed to help members of the Armed Forces community move into employment within the NHS.

The commissioned service will combine employer engagement and direct candidate support with recruitment pathways, mentoring, work placements, communications and wider stakeholder engagement.

The contract has an estimated value of £310,200 excluding VAT and is expected to run for an initial 12 months, with the option to extend for up to a further year.

The opportunity has been identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Service Requirements

The successful supplier will be responsible for delivering the national Step into Health programme and its associated activities.

The service will support members of the Armed Forces community into NHS employment through:

• Employer engagement
• Candidate support
• Recruitment pathways
• Mentoring
• Work placements
• Communications
• Stakeholder engagement
• Management of associated programme activities

The procurement covers both recruitment and career guidance services.

Contract Information

Buyer: NHS England

Deadline: 14 September 2026, 12:00pm

Enquiry Deadline: 17 August 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £310,200 excluding VAT (£372,240 including VAT)

Delivery Length: 2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027, with the option to extend for up to a further 12 months to 1 November 2028

Reference: C464977

Tender Link: NHS England Atamis e-tendering portal

Tender submissions must be made electronically through NHS England’s Atamis e-tendering portal.

Evaluation Criteria

Tender submissions will be evaluated on:

• Technical: 60%
• Commercial: 30%
• Social Value: 10%

The procurement is being conducted through an Open procedure.

The estimated award decision date is 25 September 2026.

Significance for the Sector

The opportunity is relevant to organisations experienced in employment support, recruitment, career guidance, mentoring and workforce programmes.

As a national programme, Step into Health will support members of the Armed Forces community to access NHS employment through a combination of candidate-focused assistance and engagement with NHS employers and other stakeholders.

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If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news