Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 27, 2026

Purpose: That the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources determines the future of the Twelve15 service following formal consultation, engagement and analysis of feedback and responses to inform the decision.

Content: RESOLVED:   1.    That Cabinet delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Resources (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, to: Conclude the negotiations with the provider Engage with staff on the proposed way forward Enter into a contract with the provider to transfer the business activities of Twelve15, with appropriate engagement with staff and in compliance with any other proper process Finalise and implement all transfer arrangements including staff transfer under TUPE, preserving employment terms and conditions and novating all contracts. 2.    Alternatively, that Cabinet agrees to delegate the authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Resources (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, to close the Twelve15 business activities on 31 August 2026, in the event that it is not possible to agree transfer terms with the provider. This includes finalising and implementing all consequential activities required to effect closure.   3.    That Cabinet agrees programme resources of £0.450m, noting that the implementation cost of closure will require the full budgetary allocation as set out in part 2.   Reasons for Decisions:   The preferred option to transfer the business activity of Twelve15 including all existing school contracts and staff to the new provider is recommended to mitigate the longer-term financial risks whilst ensuring continuity of service for schools and pupils and preserving employment opportunities for staff through TUPE transfer.   The prospective provider is a market leader with a robust operating model and a strong infrastructure with values which align with the council’s commitment to quality and community. It has expressed a clear intention to retain and invest in the Twelve15 name, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver innovation that the council cannot achieve within its current operating model. Its ability to exercise commercial freedoms, coupled with a commitment to staff development and progression, provides greater assurance of a sustainable future for the service.   The council has invested in the Twelve15 service through capital expenditure, earmarked reserves and transformation initiatives. However, these measures cannot overcome the structural challenges posed by Twelve15’s market contraction, funding constraints and rising operational costs. Retaining the service would expose the council to escalating financial pressures and operational risks.   The recommended approach is to pursue the transfer of the service to an external provider as the preferred option with a view to transfer on 1 September 2026.   (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)