Decision details

Adult Learning call-off contract awards for provision in academic year 2020/21

Reference: D52168

Decision Maker: Director of City Development

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To authorise the award of Adult Learning call-off contracts with a total value of £1.5m for the delivery of provision in the 2020/21 academic year.

Decision:

The Chief Officer Employment and Skills approved:-

a) The proposed funding allocations for external delivery of the Council’s

Adult Learning Programme to the total value of £1.6M for the 2020/21 academic

year, and award one year contracts starting on 1 August 2020 to 15 providers

as set out in Confidential Appendix 1.

b) The recommended maximum funding allocation variations set out in the

Confidential Appendix 1 allowing individual provider allocations to be varied in

accordance with Contract Procedure Rules, enabling effective programme

management to maximise delivery outcomes.

c) The proposed funding allocation up to the total value of £10k and a two year

contract award for continued hosting, maintenance and updates to the Adult

Learning Course Finder and Employment and Skills websites, to incorporate

the new branding, Accessibility Audit findings and an on-line enrolment

function.

d) That this decision is exempted from call-in to avoid delays to the award of

contracts at the start of the new academic year to avoid adversely impacting the viability of providers at this time and the Council’s ability to provide a broad and balanced programme offer to learners.

 

The Head of Employment and Skills will be responsible for the implementation

of the recommendations set out in this report.

 

Reason Key: Financial Impact>£500K;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

If exempt from Call-In, the reason why Call-In would prejudice the interests of the Council or the public:: The reason why call-in would prejudice the interests of the council or the public: To avoid further delays to the award of contracts prior to the commencement of the new academic year on 1 August to avoid adversely impacting the viability of providers and the provision of a broad and balanced programme offer to learners.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Adult Learning programmes for each academic year deliver the Education and Skills Funding Agency contract obligations and are informed by continuous stakeholder engagement. This includes oversight by the Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment; consultation with the Adult Learning Trust Board, feedback from providers and learners.

The Procurement Solicitor and Finance Manager will be consulted on the 2020/21 ESFA contract terms and implications for Adult Learning provider call-off contracts, and funding allocations

Consultees

The Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment

CPPU Procurement and Legal Services

The Service Finance Manager

Adult Learning providers

Leeds Adult Learning Trust Board

Service users

Contact: Jane Hopkins, Head of Employment and Skills 07891 278708 Email: jane.hopkins@leeds.gov.uk.

Publication date: 03/08/2020

Date of decision: 11/08/2020

Accompanying Documents: