Fenland Youth Hub

Fenland faces significant challenges relating to employment, economic inactivity and social mobility, with lower employment rates and higher levels of disengagement compared to national averages. The Youth Hub is intended as a targeted intervention to address these challenges through coordinated, wraparound support that also recognises wider barriers faced by young people, including mental health, employability, financial capability and housing needs.

The Authority is seeking to commission a Supplier with a strong track record of delivering youth-focused, place-based provision in complex contexts. The Supplier must demonstrate the organisational capacity to deliver employment and skills provision, including access to staff or partners with relevant expertise and experience. They should evidence experience of collaborative working with multiple partners and stakeholders, including statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations, and the ability to build trusted relationships with young people facing multiple barriers to participation and progression.

The Youth Hub model will include a core, accessible physical space located in Wisbech, operating regular delivery hours and acting as a central point for engagement, triage and co-location of services, including Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches. In addition, the Supplier will be expected to deliver outreach activity across the wider Fenland area to ensure equitable access for young people in rural communities and those less likely to engage with a centralised offer.

The Supplier will be responsible for designing and delivering an inclusive, neutral and welcoming environment that facilitates joined-up support tailored to individual needs. This includes developing strong local partnerships, engaging young people proactively, and embedding continuous improvement through the use of performance data, feedback and learning.