Decision details

Request to invoke contracts procedure rule 10.1 to enable the commissioning of a Framework Agreement for Independent Fostering Agencies and Supported Lodgings Providers.

Reference: D44985

Decision Maker: Director of Children and Families

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

This request seeks approval to invoke contracts procedure rule 10.1 to enable the commissioning of a regional framework agreement with providers delivering fostering and supported lodgings care services for children and young people and care leavers.

 

The Framework Agreement will be led by Leeds City Council but will involve 14 Local Authorities across the Yorkshire and Humber and their ability to identify placements within the constraints of an agreed contract specification and terms and conditions against which to deliver quality provision.

 

It is expected that this framework agreement will be for the period of three years with the option to extend for a period of 12-months and will commence on 01/04/2018.

 

Decision:

The Director of Children & Families agreed to invoke contracts procedure rule 10.1 in order to commission a White Rose Independent Fostering and Supported Lodgings Framework Agreement.

 

Reason Key: Expenditure > £250,000;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

If the decision has not been published in the List of Forthcoming Key Decisions for at least 28 clear days, the reason why it would be impracticable to delay the decision:: To delay the decision will impact on the procurement of independent fostering and supported lodgings care for children and young people and those leaving care. This will impact on 14 Local Authorities across the Yorkshire and Humber and their ability to identify placements within the constraints of an agreed contract specification and terms and conditions against which to deliver quality provision. The absence of an agreed framework and delays to the project timeline (1st April 2018) could see contracting authorities being potentially in breach of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Providers would not be subject to governance processes, which may impact on the desire to improve and deliver best practice thus impacting on the quality and safety of placements for children and young people. Any efficiency savings that are anticipated would not be realised. It is expected that the new Framework Agreement for Independent Fostering and Supported Lodgings provision will commen

Consultees

White Rose Framework – strategic commissioning group

Contact: Rebecca Fenwick, Commissionnig Programme Manager (Placements) Email: rebecca.fenwick@leeds.gov.uk Email: rebecca.fenwick@leeds.gov.uk.

Publication date: 22/11/2017

Date of decision: 30/11/2017

Effective from: 08/12/2017

Accompanying Documents: