Purpose

The decision to utilise the existing 12-month
extension option for Kids, is to ensure the City of Doncaster can
continue to deliver a mediation service that will remain to be
consistent and meet the needs of the service area and
families.
Furthermore, due to this being the last extension available a full
procurement exercise will be needed; by utilising this extension,
time then will be available to go to market and complete a service
review in line with procurement requirements. Ensuring no
interruption in delivery enabling a smooth transition to whoever is
successful in the future.
The approximate overall contract value is per annum.

Content

To utilise the final extension option
available with a start date of the 9th of August 2025. The initial
contract was for 2 years from 9th August 2021 and allows for three
12-month extensions.
Kids mediation would initially continue as normal for the first 6
months of the extension by taking new mediation referrals where
required, and then within the remaining and final 6 months that
follow, to complete and finalise work on any outstanding mediations
and begin the handover process.
Work will shortly begin on a new procurement exercise for this
service following procurement recommendations and timeline, likely
to commence in late August early September 2025. Kids can still
apply for the new tender opportunity for a Mediation
Service, and if successful, Kids would begin to again take on new
mediation cases within the final 6 months of their contract. If
unsuccessful the provider who is awarded would start to pick up any
new cases.
It is essential that there is a cross over period so the service
can continue without disruption.
Kids have agreed to waiver their usual annual uplift request
payment of 4% for the final extension period.