Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 25, 2024

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council – Record of Decision   I (Councillor Youd, Lead Member for Finance and Support Services and chairman of the Procurement Board) / (Paul Dennett, City Mayor), in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution do hereby approve:   ·      for an Exception to Contractual Standing Orders to award a contract for Apprenticeship Training Scheme (UA92), as detailed in the table below:   Detail required Answers Title/Description of Contracted Service/Supply/Project Apprenticeship training Name of Successful Contractor University Academy 92 Limited Supplier Registration Number (to be supplied by Corporate Procurement) 11064939 Type of organisation (to be supplied by Corporate Procurement) Private Limited Company Status of Organisation (to be supplied by Corporate Procurement) SME Contract Value (£) £192,000  full project Contract Duration 18 months Contract Start Date 03/12/2024 Contract End Date 03/04/2026 Optional Extension Period 1 N/A Optional Extension Period 2 N/A Who will approve each Extension Period? Choose an item. Contact Officer (Name & number) Luke Collinson (0161 607 6901) Lead Service Group Resources and Transformation How the contract was procured? (to be supplied by procurement) Direct award by exception Framework Details (where applicable) (procurement body, framework reference & title, start/ end date Not applicable Funding Source External Funding Source (please identify below) Ethical Contractor (EC): Mayor’s Employment Charter   EC: Committed to sign Charter   EC: Accredited Living Wage Employer   The Reasons are: The Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) team recently onboarded five new apprentices, with two focused on Cyber Defence Operations (CyDOps) and three in user support roles. Given the urgency of developing their skills in a structured and effective manner, there is a pressing need to secure an appropriate training programme as soon as possible. This is particularly critical since their apprenticeship contracts are limited to a two-year period, underscoring the importance of immediate access to high-quality, relevant training that maximises their development within the time constraints.   Moreover, the roles within the cyber security operations function are highly specialised, addressing emerging security challenges and complex operational demands. This function has only recently been established, and as such, DDaT recognises the importance of an apprenticeship programme that aligns closely with our unique organisational needs. The team is keen to ensure that the programme supports the maturing of this new function and facilitates the rapid skill uplift essential to meet both current and future demands. This approach will be instrumental in creating a strong foundation for the team’s capabilities and ensuring that our apprentices are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the department’s goals and broader organisational objectives.   With the initiation of several apprenticeship roles, a number of permanent staff across the DDaT team also chose to embark on apprenticeship programmes to further their professional development. This decision reflects a broader organisational commitment to upskilling and creating a robust pipeline of internal talent with specialised expertise aligned to organisational goals.   To ensure that these apprenticeship pathways directly support both individual and departmental needs, UA92 has collaborated closely with managers from each function. Through a series of tailored discussions, UA92 worked with leadership to design custom learning pathways that align with the specific skills, competencies, and knowledge requirements of each area. This bespoke approach ensures that each participant receives training directly applicable to their role and function, enhancing the immediate value of the programme.   Currently, staff members from several DDaT functions are participating in these tailored apprenticeship programmes, including Cyber Defence Operations (CyDOps), User Support, Modern Operations (ModOps), Digital Inclusion, and the Resource and Transformation digital teams. This cross-functional participation not only fosters a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement but also strengthens the overall capabilities of DDaT, enabling the team to meet evolving digital and operational challenges with a more agile, well-prepared workforce.   UA92 is a Manchester based Apprenticeship provider that DDaT has identified as being the most suitable for our needs. UA92 is a joint venture between Lancaster University and several individual shareholders drawn from former Manchester United footballer’s’ ‘class of 92’ and their associates. UA92 provides educational services and awards Lanchester University degrees. UA92 focuses on the provision of academic development that has been shaped with input from the provisioning organisation to match their business need and helps bridge the identified technical skills gap in Greater Manchester.   DDaT request: Direct Award due to Niche Training scheme We did not pursue the standard tender process and are instead requesting approval for a niche direct award route. This approach is due to the unique offering provided by UA92, which delivers a custom, bespoke course tailored to address our specific business requirements. This programme offers flexibility, allowing modifications to suit our organisational needs, thereby directly targeting the internal skills gaps we have identified. Utilising this route aligns with our strategic goal of enhancing workforce competencies in specialised areas critical to our operations, which would not be as effectively met through standardised course offerings available via the typical tender process.   We conducted a thorough search with our established suppliers to identify any suitable courses that could fulfil our team’s training needs. During this process, we reviewed offerings from QA (an alternative technical Apprenticeship provider), which included their Cyber Security Engineering and Cyber Defender & Responder Level 4 courses. However, after consultation with our Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) team, it was determined that these courses did not adequately address the specific skill gaps identified within our team, particularly in areas requiring more specialised or tailored competencies.   In addition, we utilised the government’s apprenticeship portal to explore available programmes on the open market, specifically looking for courses in cyber security or modern operations. Unfortunately, there were no offerings that met our specific requirements. Furthermore, we explored the offerings our strategic partners, Salford City College and the University of Salford, to explore potential course options. However, neither institution currently offers courses aligned with our needs, limiting our options within the existing supplier framework.   This assessment reinforces our decision to seek a direct award with UA92, which can deliver a bespoke programme precisely tailored to our business needs and internal skills demands.   Options considered and rejected were: There are a number of apprenticeship providers who offer the level 4 (Higher) DevOps Engineer apprenticeship that support the upskilling of new and existing employees. However, each workplace is unique, so learning tailored to both employer and employee is of vital importance and provides us with an opportunity to ensure that we effectively equip our workforce with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for new and emerging job roles which is in-line with our culture, values and operating requirements. UA92 have been able to tailor the DevOps Engineer apprenticeship to meet Salford City Council digital requirements as it is offered as a closed cohort.   The council is not currently returning any unspent levy funds to the treasury. Our levy contributions are based on a percentage of our overall payroll. Many employers’ levy contribution costs, like ours, are annually increasing due to their increasing payroll costs (cost of living) and rises in National Living Wage, however the costs of apprenticeship courses have remained static, and our overall annual starts are similar per year, so our risks of levy clawback are increasing. We are not at risk of overspending our apprenticeship levy or having to ration apprenticeships in other areas of the Council with this award at this stage.   Assessment of Risk: Failure to secure these apprenticeship contracts poses a significant risk to the timely completion of apprenticeships. Without the necessary contracts in place, apprentices may face interruptions in their training schedules, potentially leading to delays in accessing essential learning resources, work placements, and mentorship. Such disruptions could result in extended timelines for achieving qualifications, impacting not only the apprentices' progression and morale but also the local workforce, which relies on these trained individuals.   The source of funding is: The funding for this scheme will come out of the Apprenticeship Levy. As per the Apprenticeship Levy rules set out by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), should an organisation not use funding within 18 months of it its addition to the accumulating fund, it is returned to HMRC. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pay-apprenticeship-levy   Legal Advice obtained: Yes   Financial Advice obtained: Yes   Procurement Advice obtained: Yes   HR Advice obtained: Yes   Climate Change Implications obtained: Not applicable   The following documents have been used to assist the decision process: ·      Approval for an Exception to Contractual Standing Orders to award a contract for Apprenticeship Training Scheme (UA92).   Contact Officer: Luke Collinson Telephone number: 0161 607 6901   ·      This matter is also subject to consider by the Lead Member for Resources and Transformation. The Lead Member has been consulted and is supportive of the proposed contract.   ·      This matter is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.   Signed:    Cllr J Youd          Dated:     25 November 2024.                Lead Member   FOR DEMOCRATIC SERVICES USE ONLY   *           This decision was published on 25 November 2024. *           This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 2 December 2024 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.