Content

 

12.1

The Committee
considered a report of the Assistant Director City Transport which
sought approval to commission a new 2-year contract to deliver the
ModeshiftSTARS programme in Sheffield,
and to continue the current successes and developments achieved
under the existing
contract.

 

 

12.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration & Climate
Policy Committee:-

(a) 
Approves the allocation of revenue of up to £250,000 per
annum towards the costs of commissioning an external provider that
will supply additional external staff who will support delivery of
the ModeshiftSTARS project for the
period March 2026 - March 2028;
and

(b) 
Approves the commission of an external service provider to deliver
ModeshiftSTARS project for a minimum
period of one year with the option to extend for a further one year
for estimated costs of £250,000 per
annum.

 

 

 

 

12.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

12.3.1

The recommendation to commission new services for
the ModeshiftSTARS programme while an
officer decision is made in relation to the extension of the
current contract, this avoids disruption to schools currently
engaged in Active Travel initiatives while safeguarding progress
towards the Council’s Climate Emergency commitments and road
safety objectives.

 

 

12.3.2

Maintaining the delivery of ModeshiftSTARS supports the Council’s
strategic priorities by promoting sustainable travel, reducing
carbon emissions, and improving air quality around schools. The
short-term extension provides stability during the transition
period, ensuring that engagement and behaviour change activities
continue without interruption.

 

 

12.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

12.4.1

Alternative Option
1:
Bringing the School Engagement Team into the
Council’s direct employment would negate the need to go out
to competitive tender. However, this would generate consultation
obligations and organisational staffing implications that require
additional time to manage and implement successfully. Further, the
current recruitment restrictions prevent this from being a viable
option at this time but can be given more detailed and careful
consideration in the future.

 

 

12.4.2

Alternative Option
2:
Do nothing and allow the current contract to end
without replacement. This option would result in the termination of
the Modeshift STARS programme, which
has been highly successful in promoting active travel and improving
road safety across schools in the city. The removal of this
initiative would have serious negative implications,
including:

·      
Reduced levels of active travel, leading to increased car use and
congestion around schools.

·      
Negative impact on health and wellbeing, as children and families
lose opportunities for physical
activity.

·      
Loss of training and educational support for schools, undermining
progress on sustainable travel
planning.

·      
Reputational risk for the Council in failing to deliver on its
Climate Emergency commitments and road safety
objectives.
 
Given these impacts, this option is not
recommended.