The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority is inviting proposals for a series of region wide projects to support delivery of year two of the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme (2026/27).
The Trailblazer is a flagship programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), designed to test and develop new approaches to reducing economic inactivity by improving how employment, health and skills systems work together.
We are seeking proposals for the following strands:
- Specialist employment support for social housing tenants who are economically inactive to support residents to progress towards, to enter and to sustain employment.
- Specialist employment support for people with convictions and prison leavers, based in the community, addressing practical barriers including disclosure, licence conditions and employer stigma, and working closely with probation and resettlement services.
- Specialist employment support for unpaid carers, recognising the impact of caring responsibilities on availability and progression and promoting flexible and inclusive employment opportunities.
All projects will be expected to:
- Deliver high‑quality, person‑centred support tailored to the needs of each cohort.
- Demonstrate strong employer engagement and the ability to unlock job opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with local partners across employment, health and skills systems.
- Contribute to learning and system change, informing future commissioning.
- Deliver at scale across the region, with flexibility to target areas of need.
These opportunities are open to organisations with:
- experience delivering employment support to similar groups.
- the capacity to deliver at regional scale, either individually or as part of a partnership or consortium.
- strong links to local communities and employers.
- the ability to deliver within the required timeframe.
Partnership and consortium bids are strongly encouraged where this strengthens delivery.
Funding and delivery period
- Projects will be funded for delivery through to 31 March 2027.
- Funding amounts and participant volumes are set out within each specification.
- Delivery is expected to commence from August 2026.
Timeline
All opportunities will be procured through an open call for projects.
- Open call launched: 17 June 2026
- Application deadline: 3 July 2026
- Contract award and mobilisation: August 2026
Further details, including the full specifications, application guidance and assessment criteria, will be published alongside each call.
Market engagement and partnerships
We welcome collaboration and encourage organisations to form partnerships or consortia ahead of submitting applications. To support this, we have facilitated opportunities for organisations to connect and explore joint delivery options. please click here to find out more.
Further information
Full specifications and application documents can be found below:
- Call for projects for priority two strand 2b: Specialist employment support for social housing tenants
- Call for projects for priority two strand 3b: Specialist employment support for unpaid carers
- Call for projects for priority two strand 4: Specialist employment support for people with convictions and prison leavers
- Year Two (2026/27) Open Call Application Guidance
- Finance Tables
- Proposal Business Case
If you would like to receive updates or have any queries, please contact: ei.trailblazer@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Evidence and research findings
Bridging the data divide: Systemic barriers to employment, health and skills continuity for prison leavers subject to MAPPA arrangements in the North East
Economic Inactivity in the North East of England: Evaluating Employer Understanding, Approach and Outcome Priorities
North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer on Supported Accommodation & Employment: The Opening Doors Project Research Report