Decision details

To approve the award decision of the Residential Parenting Assessments Framework. 

RESOLVED:

That the establishment of a Framework is endorsed by Cabinet and award of a place on the Framework be made to the two suppliers for Lot 1, as detailed in the Part 2 report.

Reasons for Decision

There is a duty on local authorities to provide parenting assessments under section 38 (6) of the Children Act 1989, when directed by the Courts during care proceedings.

Establishing a new Framework Agreement will facilitate a long term partnership with suppliers, creating the working environment to support continuous improvement for high quality, child centred assessment services.

Value for money will be secured through a clear pricing structure which will help to ensure transparency and clarity around costs with fixed prices for the first two years of the framework. In addition to this, there will be robust contract management.

The recommended awarded providers met the tender evaluation criteria as well as  demonstrating their experience and ability to deliver robust and high quality assessment reports that would inform care planning decisions.

Changes to UK procurement regulations (the Public Contracts Regulations 2015) means that spot purchasing services above specified financial thresholds

(£589,148 per annum for social services) is no longer an appropriate form of procurement.

[This decision may be called in by either the Social Care Services Board or the Council Overview Board]