Content

In accordance with
the delegations provided by Cabinet to the Chief Executive in
consultation with the Council’s Monitoring Officer and the
Section 151 Officer, at its meeting on 20th December 2024, it is
decided that the Council signs up to Essex County Council’s
Managed Service Solution framework for temporary workers for up to
3 years with effect from 10 February 2025.

Reasons for the decision

Essex County
Council (ECC) has implemented a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to
efficiently place job roles with external agency worker providers
within predefined rate bands and percentage mark-ups. This system
complies with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR15), allows
new providers to join upon application, and ensures consistent and
transparent rates and mark-ups.
 
With 250 agencies
on its framework, ECC has secured reduced rates that would be
unattainable without this arrangement. ECC collaborates with Matrix
SCM, a private sector workforce management provider, to handle the
engagement of temporary workers, including timesheet management,
payroll, billing, and direct invoicing to the council.
 
Joining the ECC
Managed Service Solution framework for temporary workers guarantees
compliance with procurement regulations, offers cost reduction
opportunities, and ensures access to quality agency worker
resources. Additionally, it streamlines oversight and control of
spending through management information, reducing the council's
resource requirements for engaging agency workers and managing
contracts.

Alternative options considered

Full Tender
Process: Initiating a full tender process for each service contract
would be time-consuming, leading to service delivery gaps until a
new contractor is appointed. Additionally, it is likely to incur
higher costs compared to the proposed arrangement.
 
Direct Employment:
While ideal, recruiting high-quality professionals for fixed-term
positions in Tendring is challenging due to the existing salary
structure.
 
Alternative
Compliant Frameworks: Options like the East of England Local
Government Association (EELGA) Talent Bank may be suitable for
specific assignments requiring particular
skill sets. However, they may not offer the comprehensive
coverage for 'business as usual' roles that the ECC framework
provides and may not be more cost-effective. Similar frameworks do
not demonstrate the same value-for- money considerations.