Connect to Work Supported Employment Programme in Dorset

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has awarded a contract worth £2.93 million to deliver the Connect to Work Supported Employment Service across Dorset, a government-funded programme supporting economically inactive and unemployed individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or complex employment barriers. The service, split into two lots covering Individual Placement and Support and Supported Employment Quality Framework delivery, was awarded to seven providers: Bournemouth Churches Housing Association Limited, Brighter Horizons Training LLP, Dorset Community Action, Dimensions (UK) Limited, Elevate Employment Services Limited, Minstead Trust, and The Salvation Army Trustee Company. The three-year and ten-month contract, managed by Skills & Learning Adult Community Education on behalf of BCP Council and Dorset Council, began in June 2026 with an option to extend for two further years.