WORKWELL
What is WorkWell?
WorkWell is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded employment support programme.
The programme will support residents who experience disabilities, health conditions and wellbeing challenges to stay in work, return to work or move closer to employment.
As the lead organisation for WorkWell in East Sussex, the Council is seeking an experienced organisation to deliver specialist employment and wellbeing coaching to the East Sussex residents who opt to participate on the programme.
How will WorkWell be managed and delivered?
East Sussex County Council’s Employment and Skills team has been appointed as the Local Delivery Partner for WorkWell in East Sussex, with Surrey County Council leading the programme on behalf of Sussex and Surrey Integrated Care Board.
The Programme will be managed by ESCC, within our ESTAR team, which oversees our Employment Support programmes. We will integrate WorkWell alongside our Connect to Work programme, ensuring that various elements such as our Triage Service, which guides residents to the most appropriate provision for them, are aligned.
While we will oversee elements of the programme such as wrap around services for participants, we intend to appoint one experienced delivery partner to provide specialist Work and Wellbeing coaching to residents across the county.
Supporting East Sussex Residents
The WorkWell programme aims to address the significant impact that health conditions have on economic inactivity across East Sussex. The successful delivery partner will work collaboratively with health, community and employment services to provide person-centred support through community-based and integrated outreach delivery across East Sussex. working closely with primary care networks, integrated community teams and housing teams. The service will be delivered through outreach and community-based settings across East Sussex, in coastal, rural and deprived communities, ensuring people can access support close to where they live.
Funding opportunity
East Sussex County Council is running a competitive grant process to appoint a delivery partner for the programme.
Applications are welcomed from:
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Charities
- Social enterprises
- Public sector organisations
- Other specialist not-for-profit providers
We will consider partnership proposals, if they strengthen local reach and specialist expertise. However, contracts will be issued to each partner directly as sub-contracting will not be permitted.
Find out more
Organisations interested in applying should carefully review the full guidance documentation and eligibility requirements before applying.
Application guidance and supporting documentation is now available via the links below.
How to Apply
Completed applications and supporting documentation must be submitted via email to ESTAR@eastsussex.gov.uk by midday on Thursday 10th September 2026.
All questions must be received via ESTAR@eastsussex.gov.uk by 9am on Tuesday 8th September 2026.
All responses (FAQs) will be added to the website to ensure transparency of process.
Grant applications will be assessed week commencing Monday 14th September 2026.
We will aim to inform applicants of the outcome by Friday 18th September 2026.
And it is our aim to finalise and issue a grant agreement to the successful applicant week commencing Monday 21st September 2026.
Programmes will need to mobilise quickly, with a scheduled start from 1st October 2026.
For more information visit: WorkWell prospectus: guidance for Local System Partnerships - GOV.UK
Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 17th August 2026: | Grant application process open |
| 9am, 8th September 2026: | Closing date for questions and clarifications from applicants |
| Midday, 10th September 2026: | Closing date for applications |
| 14th – 20th September 2026: | Evaluation of applications |
| 21st September 2026: | Delivery partner appointment and grant agreement issued |
| 1st October 2026: | Programme mobilisation |