The Havering Council cabinet endorsed the second year of the Starting Well Improvement Plan, approved a procurement framework for frozen food and groceries, and agreed to re-procure a sexual health e-service. The cabinet also reviewed the first quarter revenue and capital monitoring report for 2024-26 and the Corporate Plan annual performance report.

Starting Well Improvement Plan

The cabinet endorsed the second phase of the Starting Well Improvement Plan, which addresses recommendations from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted, as well as internal quality assurance findings. Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the plan, which aims to build on the progress made in the first year and accelerate the pace of improvement in children's services¹. The plan focuses on strengthening management oversight, supervision, and quality assurance. Key developments include collaboration with the DfE Improvement Advisor and Sector-Led Improvement Partners to improve the case management system and relaunch the systemic practice model. Workforce development remains central to the plan, with continued focus on recruitment, retention, training, and the use of artificial intelligence to reduce administrative tasks.

The additional costs of the year two improvement plan are £0.395m. The DfE has agreed to provide £0.2m, leaving £0.1935m to be covered by the council's general fund.

Procurement of Frozen Food and Grocery Framework Agreement

The cabinet approved the award of a Pan London multi-supplier framework agreement for the supply of frozen foods and groceries. The agreement has an estimated value of £8.36 million in year one and £36.04 million over the 3 plus 1-year term, commencing on 1 September 2025 and ending on 31 August 2029.

A Havering call-off to the estimated value of £2.49 million in year one (£10.73 million total estimated value over the 3 plus 1-year term) was also approved, commencing on 1 September 2025 and ending on 31 August 2029.

Councillor Oscar Ford explained that the current Procurement Across London (PAL) framework expires on 31 August 2025, as does the council's current call-off contract. The new framework will be owned and managed by Havering Catering Service and can be accessed by PAL members, including the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the London Borough of Waltham Forest, and Thurrock Council.

Two bidders, Thomas Ridley and JJ Food Service Ltd, were successful in the tender process and will be appointed to the framework. The contract will not include any commitment from Havering Catering Service or the collaborative PAL group regarding the volume or value of orders.

Sexual Health E-Service

The cabinet approved entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and subsequent Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA) with the City of London Corporation to participate in the re-procurement process and subsequent contract for pan-London online services for sexual and reproductive health.

Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, explained that local authorities are mandated under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to commission open access sexual and reproductive health services. The council intends to enter into a new five-year agreement via the London Sexual Health Programme led by the City of London Corporation, with an option to extend for up to four additional years (5+2+2). Havering's spend over the full nine-year term is estimated at £2.7 - £3.1 million, dependent on activity volumes and the optional service modules that the council chooses to activate.

The e-service provides a digital front door offering centralised access to remote STI testing, user registration and sexual history risk assessment, STI kit provision and home delivery, laboratory services and results notification, remote telephone support and referral to local services, remote treatment for uncomplicated Chlamydia infection, and an optional module for prescribing and dispensing emergency hormonal contraception and routine contraceptives.

Corporate Workforce Strategy

The cabinet noted and supported the implementation of all elements of the refreshed Corporate Workforce Strategy 2025–2027, Choose Havering – Building the Future Together. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, introduced the strategy, which sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap to develop, attract, and retain a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce that can meet the evolving needs of residents and communities.

The strategy is structured around five strategic people themes: organisational design, culture, values and behaviours; leading our workforce; developing our workforce; treating our workforce fairly with kindness and respect; and supporting our workforce. Each theme is underpinned by a detailed action plan, with clear milestones across three implementation phases.

Key enhancements include expansion of the ICARE ambassador programme and annual recognition awards, a strengthened 'Choose Havering' pledge, a refreshed PDR framework and mentoring programme, new career pathways, succession planning, and apprenticeship opportunities, a comprehensive EDI workforce plan and Total Reward Strategy, and enhanced wellbeing support and HR transformation initiatives.

Corporate Plan Annual Performance Report

The cabinet noted the 2024/25 Corporate Plan Annual Performance Report and agreed that the report will be published on the council's website. Councillor Ray Morgon explained that the report enables a transparent review and scrutiny of the council's overall performance and provides an overview of the outcomes of priorities and projects outlined in the corporate plan.

The report is based on the version of the corporate plan approved on 10 April 2024 and highlights a year in figures, including that 1,972 households were prevented from becoming homeless, 95.8% of council tax was collected, and 4,158 people signed the government funding petition.

The main body of the report is split into three areas: People – Things that are important to us, Place – A great place to live, work and enjoy, and Resources – A well-run council that delivers for people and place.

Revenue and Capital Monitoring

The cabinet noted the revenue monitoring position of the council as at the end of June 2025, including the position on the council's General Fund, HRA, and DSG budgets. Councillor Christopher Wilkins, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, which indicated a forecast underspend of £1.0 million against the budget of £292 million.

The cabinet also noted that £11.3 million of funding being held centrally will be transferred to Ageing Well (£7.6 million) and Living Well (£3.7 million) to meet ongoing demographic pressures in these areas. Additionally, overallocated growth funding of £0.6 million in Starting Well and £1.25 million in Environment will be transferred to the corporate budget to reduce the council's exceptional financial support requirement.

The cabinet further noted the progress toward the delivery of savings as set out in the council's MTFS and the capital monitoring position of the council as at the end of June 2025. Finally, the cabinet noted the write-off of uncollectable NNDR debt approved by the Strategic Director of Resources.

Other Items

The cabinet also made decisions on the following matters:

• 3,5,7 & flat 11 Highfield Link, Collier Row Romford RM3 9PH- Assignment - Recommendations Approved
• 116 Petersfield Avenue, Romford RM3 9PH- Assignment - Recommendations Approved

These decisions were made by the Assistant Director of Regeneration and Place Shaping.