That:

a)    Following the outcome of a competitive procurement exercise, a contract is awarded to the preferred bidder, as set out in Appendix 1, for the provision of four Child Protection and Court Social Work teams from 28 November 2022 to 31 March 2023 at a value not exceeding £1.2m, with an option to extend for up to a further 12-months to 31 March 2024; at a maximum value of £3.4m and

b)    Authority is delegated to the Director for Children and Young People to take a further operational decisions, in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Section 151 Officer, to implement an optional extension period, if required, in line with the council’s standing procurement, financial and governance requirements.