Purpose

To
consider:

a)     
approving an IAA for the delivery of the DWP 'Connect to Work'
programme, as part of the South Midlands regional group;
and

b)     
agreeing the procurement approach for part of the delivery
programme.
 

Content

1.         That
that the Council:

a)         agree to
work in partnership with West Northamptonshire, Bedford Borough,
Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and North Northamptonshire Councils to
deliver the Connect to Work project; and

b)         that
authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s
Services, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance
to finalise the terms of and enter into an Inter Authority Agreement for
project delivery, for a term of five years, and any other necessary
agreements.

2.         That the
commencement of a procurement exercise to procure, in a compliant
manner, one or more suppliers for delivery of Connect to Work
provision following the IPS and SEQF models of Supported Employment
for Milton Keynes from year 2 (April 2026) to the end of year 4
(March 2029), be approved.

3.         That
authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s
Services, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Children and
Young People, to determine the scope, length and value of any
contracts procured, in accordance with 1.2 above, taking into
consideration aspects to be delivered in-house.