Invitation to Tender – Training Provider

1. Introduction

ukactive is inviting suitably qualified and experienced training providers to submit a tender for the design and delivery of a comprehensive workforce development programme to support the expansion of MSK (musculoskeletal) physical activity hubs in the community.

This programme is funded through the Joint Work and Health Directorate (JWHD) within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It aims to expand access to high-quality, community-based MSK interventions across England.

The appointed provider will play a critical role in ensuring a competent, confident, and person-centred workforce capable of delivering safe, effective physical activity interventions for individuals with MSK conditions.

2. About ukactive

ukactive is the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, representing organisations across fitness, leisure, sport and wellbeing. Its mission is to enable more people to be more active, more often, by influencing policy, supporting members, and promoting the role of physical activity in improving health outcomes.

3. Programme Overview: MSK Physical Activity Hubs

3.1 Purpose of MSK Hubs

MSK Physical Activity Hubs are community-based services, typically delivered through leisure facilities, that support individuals living with musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. back pain, arthritis) to increase their physical activity safely.

3.2 Target Population

The programme focuses on:

• Individuals with long-term MSK conditions
• People experiencing work-limiting health conditions
• Economically inactive populations
• Communities experiencing health inequalities

3.3 Service Model

Hubs will typically:

• Receive referrals (e.g. self-referral, healthcare, social prescribing)
• Provide assessment and tailored activity plans
• Deliver supervised and independent physical activity
• Support behaviour change and long-term self-management

Exercise professionals will work within defined scope of practice, with clear escalation pathways into healthcare services where required.

4. Programme Aims and Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Expand MSK hub capacity nationally across ~100 sites
• Upskill approximately 260 exercise professionals over 2 years, with the majority of delivery being in Year 1 to support hub mobilsation to meet service needs.
• Improve consistency and quality of MSK service delivery
• Increase access for underserved populations
• Embed physical activity within MSK prevention, management and recovery pathways

5. Training Outcomes and Competency Framework

The training provider must ensure all learners achieve the following core competencies:

5.1 Clinical and Technical Competence

• Understanding of common MSK conditions and their management
• Ability to safely prescribe and adapt physical activity
• Awareness of clinical red flags and escalation pathways

5.2 Person-Centred Practice

• Ability to deliver “what matters to me” conversations
• Confidence supporting individuals with pain, fear, and low confidence

5.3 Behaviour Change Capability

• Application of behaviour change techniques
• Competence in motivational interviewing, MECC and health coaching approaches

5.4 System Awareness

• Understanding of referral pathways and integration with health services
• Working within professional scope and governance frameworks

6. Scope of Training Delivery

The provider will deliver a multi-level, blended training programme, including:

6.1 Formal Qualifications

• Level 3 Personal Trainer
• Level 3 GP Referral
• Level 4 CPD Specialist around MSK (e.g. Low Back Pain)

6.2 Workforce Development Elements

• MSK awareness training for wider facility teams
• Whole-facility approach (including front-of-house staff)
• Behaviour change, communication and coaching skills

6.3 Delivery Model

• Blended learning (online, in-person, practical assessment)
• Flexible delivery across locations
• Inclusive and accessible design

7. Mobilisation and Rollout Requirements

Providers must align with a phased mobilisation approach:

7.1 Workforce Diagnostics

• Conduct baseline assessments (skills, qualifications, confidence)
• Identify training needs on a individual level to ensure most suitable qualifications
• Develop tailored training plans for a wider range of learners

7.2 Rollout

• Deliver training aligned to hub go-live timelines
• Support phased or regional implementation as required

7.3 Readiness

• Ensure workforce is fully trained and certified prior to service delivery

8. Priority Populations and Inclusion

Training must prepare the workforce to effectively support:

• Communities experiencing health inequalities
• People from areas of deprivation
• Working age and Older adults
• People with multiple long-term conditions
• Diverse cultural and ethnic groups

Providers must demonstrate:

• Inclusive training approaches
• Cultural competence
• Accessibility (e.g. digital inclusion, learning support)

9. Integration with Health Systems

Training must reflect:

• Alignment with MSK best practice and relevant clinical guidelines
• Integration with NHS and local health systems
• Understanding of social prescribing and referral pathways

10. Deliverables

The provider will be expected to:

• Train approximately 260 learners over 2 years with the majority completed within the first 6 months of mobilisation
• Deliver all required qualifications and CPD elements to an industry recognized standard
• Provide certification and assessment inline with industry standards
• Deliver MSK awareness training to wider workforce
• Provide learner support and retention strategies
• Submit a comprehensive training plan for assurances for the end funder

10.1 Reporting and Evaluation

Providers must:

• Provide monthly performance reports
• Track completion rates and learner progress
• Demonstrate impact, including:
  • Workforce confidence improvements
  • Application of skills in practice
  • Contribution to service readiness

11. Quality Assurance

Providers must demonstrate:

• Accreditation with recognised awarding bodies
• Robust quality assurance processes
• Consistent delivery standards across sites

12. Commercial and Contractual Information

Tender responses must include:

• Full cost breakdown (training, assessment, resources)
• Proposed payment structure
• Resource requirements

Contract details:

• Expected duration: Contract end date March 2028
• Compliance with data protection requirements

13. Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be evaluated as follows:

14. Submission Requirements

Suppliers must submit:

14.1 Methodology & Delivery Plan

• Approach to multi-level training
• Whole-facility training model

14.2 Workforce Diagnostics Approach

• Tools and methods for needs assessment

14.3 Experience & Track Record

• Relevant case studies

14.4 Quality Assurance

• Accreditation evidence

14.5 Implementation Timeline

• Alignment with mobilisation

14.6 Costed Proposal

• Transparent pricing

14.7 Risk Management

• Risks and mitigation strategies

14.8 Added Value

• Innovation, digital tools, or additional support

15. Procurement Timetable

16. Supplier Information

Bidders must provide:

• Company details
• Contact information
• Key personnel

17. Reserved Rights

ukactive reserves the right to:

• Cancel the tender
• Not award a contract
• Request additional information
• Disqualify incomplete submissions

18. Contact

All final submission and any queries relating to this ITT should be submitted via email to: kimberleywhite@ukactive.org.uk with a subject line – Training provider submission

End of Invitation to Tender