The forthcoming Adult Skills and Learning Framework: 2026-2034 represents a rare and significant opportunity for adult education and training providers across Sussex. Set by West Sussex County Council, this eight-year framework agreement is designed to commission adult learning and skills services, expanding access beyond West Sussex to the wider Sussex region for the first time. If you deliver adult education, skills training, or upskilling programmes, now is the moment to explore how you could benefit from this pan-Sussex procurement.
If you are considering bidding, Thornton & Lowe can review your readiness and help you determine if this framework aligns with your services and growth strategy.
Unlocking Opportunities Across Sussex: Why This Framework Matters
The existing West Sussex Adult Learning and Skills Framework, established in 2024, does not allow partner authorities to access it. The new framework is being developed partly in response to an invitation for West Sussex to participate in the Government's Pathway to Devolution pilot for Academic Year 2026/27, which provides additional formula-funded allocations for delivery. Crucially, East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council have also indicated their intention to participate in the pilot and have requested support from West Sussex to commission provision, making this framework pan-Sussex rather than a single-authority arrangement.
For training providers, this broadened scope significantly increases both the potential volume of commissioned provision and the diversity of commissioning needs. Providers with the capacity to operate across the wider Sussex area, or those with particular expertise in specific adult education programmes, should engage with this opportunity early. Our team has supported training providers bidding for local authority adult skills frameworks; see our guide to framework agreements for context on how these commissioning tools typically operate.
Bidding Considerations and What to Look For
This is currently a Pipeline Notice. The procurement is at early planning stage, with the tender expected to be published around 31 May 2026. West Sussex commissions adult learning programmes funded through the Adult Skills Fund, Free Courses for Jobs, Skills Bootcamps, Tailored Learning, and 16-19 Study Programmes. Providers familiar with one or more of these funding streams will be well placed to bid when the formal notice is published.
The framework sits under the light touch regime, which gives the authority more flexibility in how it designs the procurement and evaluates the market, though quality, outcomes, and compliance will still be central to evaluation.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Bid:
- Watch for collaborative elements. With multiple authorities now involved, demonstrate your adaptability for multi-authority delivery and pan-regional impact, including understanding varying local skills priorities across Sussex.
- Anticipate programme breadth. Prepare evidence of capacity and experience across the full range of adult education programmes likely to be commissioned, not just your core offer.
- Plan for the long term. Frameworks of eight years demand robust quality assurance, sustainable staffing models, and plans for continuous improvement. Align your compliance and learner support resources now.
- Be alert to updates. The value, lot structure, and detailed scope are not yet published. Register interest, monitor the notice, and review the full tender pack closely when available.
Quick Facts
- Authority: West Sussex County Council (with East Sussex CC and Brighton & Hove CC participating)
- Type: Framework agreement (light touch regime)
- Region: Pan-Sussex
- Duration: 8 years (estimated June 2026 – May 2034)
- Value: Not stated in pipeline notice
- Target sector: Adult learning and skills provision
Key Dates
- Estimated tender publication: 31 May 2026
- Framework duration: 8 years
For the latest updates, visit the official notice regularly.
The Adult Skills and Learning Framework: 2026-2034 could shape the landscape for training providers in Sussex for the next decade. Early engagement and specialist bidding support will be key. Contact Thornton & Lowe today to discuss your approach and position your organisation to succeed.
