The Officer Key Decision meeting on Wednesday 12 February 2025 approved the awarding of contracts for Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme to Optima Health UK Ltd. These contracts, valued at a total of £605,715, will commence on 1 May 2025 for an initial three-year period with an option for a one-year extension.

Occupational Health & Employee Assistance Programme

The meeting approved the awarding of contracts for Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to Optima Health UK Ltd. This decision was made by Conrad Hall, Corporate Director of Resources, following a procurement process that identified Optima Health UK Ltd as the most economically advantageous tender. The total value of the contracts is £605,715, covering services for council staff, subsidiaries (LATCO), and Newham Schools. The contracts are set to begin on 1 May 2025 and will run for three years, with a potential one-year extension.

The procurement process involved a further competition under the ESPO Framework Agreement No. 985B_23. Optima Health UK Ltd scored 97.35% for the Occupational Health Services contract and 86.60% for the Employee Assistance Programme contract, based on an evaluation criteria of 50% Price, 40% Quality, and 10% Social Value.

The new contracts are expected to support Newham Council's Recovery and Reorientation Action Plan, specifically Pillar 8 concerning fair deals and a fairer economy. They also align with Priority 3 of the Your neighbourhood initiative by potentially reducing the carbon footprint through telephone appointments. Furthermore, the services will contribute to Priority 2 of the Building a Fairer Newham Plan by extending economical services to external businesses and schools. The provision of occupational health is also a core responsibility integral to supporting the health and wellbeing of the workforce, aligning with the first priority of Newham’s Corporate Plan: A healthier Newham and ageing well. Investing in an EAP is also seen as an essential part of Newham’s Council Reward offer to attract and retain employees.

Alternative options, such as not awarding the contracts, were rejected as maintaining these services is crucial for the Council's compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Safety Act 1974, and to uphold its duty of care to employees. The financial implications indicate that the contracts are expected to be funded within the agreed budget and should deliver savings of £5,000. The procurement process adhered to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Council's Contracts Procedure Rules.

The decision was made by Conrad Hall, Corporate Director of Resources, and was notified to all Members on 13 February 2025, with the call-in period ending at midnight on 20 February 2025. The decision can be implemented from 21 February 2025.

The full details of this decision can be found in the Officer Key Decision Record.