Supported Internship Programme for Care Leavers

NHS England is seeking a delivery partner, or consortium, to pilot a bespoke supported paid internship programme for care leavers who are furthest from employment.

The programme will use NHS organisations to provide work placements and will target care leavers aged 16 to 25 who are economically inactive, have the right to work in the UK and are reliant on Universal Credit or legacy benefits.

The contract has an estimated value of £1.5 million and is expected to run from 29 October 2026 until 31 March 2029.

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 delivery partner or consortium will be responsible for piloting the supported paid internship programme using NHS organisations to provide work placements.

The programme is specifically aimed at care leavers aged 16–25 who are furthest from employment and classed as economically inactive.

Eligible participants must also have the right to work in the UK and be reliant on Universal Credit or legacy benefits.

The procurement is classified under education and training services.

Contract Information

Buyer: NHS England

Deadline: 21 September 2026, 12:00pm

Enquiry Deadline: 9 September 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £1,500,000

Delivery Length: 29 October 2026 to 31 March 2029 – approximately 2 years and 5 months

Reference: C465136

Tender Link: NHS England e-tendering portal

NHS England has stated that completed ITT submissions must be received by the deadline and that late submissions will not be accepted.

All communications, clarification questions and tender submissions must be made through the 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 under the Light Touch regime.

The estimated award decision date is 9 October 2026.

Significance for the Sector

The opportunity provides organisations working across care leaver support, employment and training with the chance to deliver a substantial pilot focused on young people who face significant barriers to entering employment.

By combining paid internships with work placements provided through NHS organisations, the programme will specifically target economically inactive care leavers aged 16–25 who meet the stated eligibility requirements.

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