Decision

To agree to the appointment of consultants to assist with the procurement of the new leisure management contract.

To delegate authority to the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces, to approve the award of a contract for services with the said consultants (‘the contract’) to the highest scoring bidder, following evaluation.

To delegate authority to the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, (i) to finalise the terms and conditions of the contract, including the contract sum, and (ii) to approve the entering into of the contract.

Reasons for the decision

Specific leisure sector knowledge and expertise is needed to develop and produce the necessary procurement documents for awarding the new leisure management contract. With the Council’s proposed shift to an Active Wellbeing model, additional input and capacity will also be needed within the leisure team during this process.

Alternative options considered

Develop the procurement documents in house. Rejected as specific expertise and sector knowledge required.