Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 12, 2024

Purpose: Seeking approval to develop a procurement for education support services, including: Education Psychologists; Tutoring; Therapies

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services to go out to tender for an Education Support Services Framework and then take any further actions or decisions required to effectively manage the procurement framework.   b)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services to award contracts through the framework agreement.   c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills in consultation with the Executive Director of Children’s Services to enter into Access Agreements with other local authorities or educational establishments that may wish to procure services through the Education Support Services Framework.     Reason for Recommendations: These are set out in greater detail within section 5 of the report. In summary, they will deliver value for money and ensure compliance with legislation and the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.   Alternative Options Considered: The option to maintain the current procurement arrangements was discounted as it will not deliver value for money or ensure ongoing compliance with procurement legislation/the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.   The option to enter a partnership with a single supplier was discounted as a market review identified that no one single provider had sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the local authority.