a)    Approval for the establishment of a new flexible framework under the Procurement Act 2023/ Light Touch Regime, to have elements of a common service specification and terms with successful providers who will provide the service

b)    The framework agreement is split into three lots, enabling potential providers to demonstrate how they can meet the council’s requirements, needs, and quality measures to deliver successful outcomes.

c)    There is no contract or contractual obligations or commitment to a single provider. All purchases will be made using call-off contracts for individual children and young people by a referral process to the local authority’s Starting Well Broker Team.

d)    To approve:

·       The council procures an open framework with multiple suppliers split across 3 lots: Lot 1 Education and Engagement activities, Lot 2 Mentoring and/or Lot 3 Tuition to provide alternative education services.

·       Cabinet delegates authority to Service Director, Education, Skills and Learning to carry out the procurement and award framework agreements to successful bidders that meet the criteria.

·       Cabinet delegates authority to Service Director, Education, Skills and Learning to take all necessary operational decisions to deliver recommendations a and b above.

1.    Option 1 - Do nothing: This option is not recommended as there is a statutory duty to provide this service.

2.    Option 2 - Continue to spot purchase: This is not recommended. Continuing to spot purchase with no oversight is not cost effective and risks poor service delivery and lack of quality assurance for each purchase. It would also be a lost opportunity to improve outcomes for children and young people and to develop the market with AP providers.

3.    Option 3 - Single provider through a restrictive tender: A block contract is a time limited contract created in advance, which will define the volume of provision for specific activities to the council for a pre-determined and set price. This option is unlikely to provide the diversity of provision and be able to manage demand required. This option is not recommended.

4.    Option 4 – Multiple providers through a restrictive tender: This option would involve awarding a number of separate contracts relevant to the different provision categories. This approach, whilst securing knowledge and expertise, could be difficult to ensure full coverage of provision and manage effectively in the event of any changes in needs and demand. As such this option is not recommended.