To approve the procurement of the Connect to Work Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Programme in Herefordshire using the Open Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. The programme is fully funded through a grant provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
To approve the award of a contract to the bidder achieving the highest overall score against the published evaluation criteria for a period of up to three years and six months, commencing in October 2026, with a total contract value of up to £1.22 million.
To delegate operational responsibility for the delivery of the Connect to Work programme in Herefordshire to the Service Directors for Economy and Growth and Education, Skills and Learning, acting in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth.

To seek approval to enter into a new contractual arrangement with The Access Group for the continued provision of Mosaic, Synergy, Core+ and associated systems, including transition to Access' cloud-hosted (SaaS) service, following expiry of the current contract's available extensions in September 2026.

To provide Cabinet with the final report of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee's Early Help task and group, looking at the provision of early help in Herefordshire.

This report seeks approval to recommission the Family Help Service through an open procurement process. The existing contract is due to end on 31 March 2027 and a recommissioned service is required to support the council's Family Help offer, deliver early intervention and prevention services, and improve outcomes for children, young people and families

To approve the submission of a delivery plan to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for Skills Bootcamps funding of £1.5 million for the 2027/28 financial year.

To agree that Herefordshire Council will act as the accountable body for the management, administration and commissioning of the funding, once approved by DWP, including any subsequent Skills Bootcamps allocations awarded to the council.

To delegate to the Service Director for Economy and Growth and Service Director for Education, Skills and Learning, all operational decisions necessary to implement and deliver the programme, including the appointment of training provider(s) and the management of associated funding and contractual arrangements.

To approve Herefordshire’s section 75 agreement for 2026-27 with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB) for up to five years in relation to the Better Care Fund.

To propose the High Needs Budget for 2027/28 to the Cabinet Member Children and Young People.

To approve School Forum’s recommended budget proposals for school budgets, central school
services and early years within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2027/28.

To provide an update on the status of corporate risks at the end of Quarter 2 2026/27 (September 2026) and
provide assurance that risks are being managed effectively across the council.

To report the forecast position for 2026/27 at Quarter 2 (September 2026), including explanation and analysis
of the drivers for the material budget variances, and to outline current and planned recovery activity to
reduce the forecast overspend.

To provide assurance that progress has been made towards delivery of the agreed revenue budget and
service delivery targets, and that the reasons for major variances are understood and are being
addressed to the cabinet’s satisfaction.

To report the forecast position for 2026/27 at Quarter 1 (June 2026), including explanation and analysis
of the drivers for the material budget variances, and to outline current and planned recovery activity to
reduce the forecast overspend.

To provide assurance that progress has been made towards delivery of the agreed revenue budget and
service delivery targets, and that the reasons for major variances are understood and are being
addressed to the cabinet’s satisfaction.

To provide an update on the status of corporate risks at the end of Quarter 1 2026/27 (June 2026) and
provide assurance that risks are being managed effectively across the council.

To approve Midland Hearts request to rescind their lease of South Bank Close and Ivy Close.

To approve the procurement of a new lease holder for these properties.