Purpose

To request authority to extend a contract in
respect of Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) for Looked After
Children and  Fostering Reviewing
Service with Aidhour Limited.

Content

That the Corporate Director Children and Young
People:
 
i)            
Approves an extension to the current contract with Aidhour Limited
for a period of 12 months from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024
as permitted in the current contract.

 
ii)           
Notes that there has been an increase in the total contract value
by £153,600 over the 3+1 year term of the contract due to a
greater than anticipated demand for services under the contract
with Aidhour Limited, and the effect of an increase in hourly rates
and travel costs agreed with Aidhour.

Reasons for the decision

The Council entered into a contract for
Independent Reviewing Officer and Fostering Review Services with
Aidhour Limited on 1 October 2020 for 3
years, with provision for an extension of 12 months.
 
Officers consider that extending the contract
by 12 months from 1 October 2023 to September 2024 will achieve
best value for the Council and is reasonable in all the
circumstances.

Alternative options considered

The option to bring the service in-house has
been considered, but this option will take time to put in place as
the service area will need to consider the financial implications
and the structure (organisation) of setting up an in-house service.
The service area will need to engage in a re-organisation and
change process which will take approximately 12-18 months as a
minimum from initial consultation to implementation.
 
Consideration has not been given to re-tender
as there is a facility in the current contract to extend for a
further 12-month period. Taking up the option to extend the
contract form 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024 allows time for
the local authority to consider the best approach for meeting the
statutory requirement for Independent Reviews for Looked After
Children and the Fostering Review Service in the medium and long
term without a disruption to the provision.