Decision details

That the contract be awarded for the provision of the Stop Smoking Service as described in the Part 2 report (item 18) for a period of three years with an option to extend on one or more occasions for up to two years commencing from the 1 February 2016. In any event the contract shall be for no more than five years in total and any such extension be notified to the Service Provider at least 3 months prior to the contract end date.

Reasons for Decisions:

The recommended contract award will deliver an evidence based Stop Smoking Service that meets national guidance and will be responsive to the needs of key priority groups including deprived communities, pregnant women and young people. Priority groups have been identified in the Tobacco needs assessment as being particularly at risk of smoking related morbidity and mortality, or in the case of pregnant women, their smoking can cause harm to others.

An independent review commissioned by the Council found that the existing provision, which is delivered in-house, does not fullymeet the current evidence base, national guidance or the needs of priority groups. Following consultation, and an appraisal of the options with key stakeholders, a decision was taken to commission an external specialist stop smoking service.

A full tender process, in compliance with the requirements of EU Procurement Legislation and the Council’s Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendation provides best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process.

The service will be delivered in Surrey from local office bases and will provide apprenticeship opportunities to Surrey Young People whilst delivering efficiencies for Public Health Services.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Wellbeing and Health Scrutiny Board]