Issue - meetings

Report by Executive Director Terence Herbert.

Cllr Philip Whitehead – Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Economic Development, presented a report which provided an update on the progress being made with the business and land transfer for the Outdoor Education Centres at Oxenwood and Braeside.

The Leader explained that negotiations were progressing well. In relation to Oxenwood, it was noted that the anticipated completion date is 1 October 2019 which would result in staff being transferred to the preferred bidder, Community First under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) TUPE Regulations 2006 on this date. In relation to Braeside, it was noted that the preferred bidder, Wiltshire College had withdrawn their bid.  Classes Abroad, ranked number 2 in the evaluation process, were invited to commence negotiations. It was anticipated that the completion date is 1 December 2019 which would result in staff being transferred to Classes Abroad under TUPE regulations on this date.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, member of the Traded Services Task Group and Chair of the Children’s Select Committee, commented on the excellent work between the Cabinet, the Task Group and Select Committee, and the positive contributions from the Task Group and Select Committee to the proposals and throughout the process. He was pleased that solutions had been achieved for both Centres.

The Leader commented on the early stages of the process and how the raising of awareness of the issues contributed towards organisations preparing bids for the Centres and thanked the Task Group and Select Committee for their excellent support during the process.

Resolved: 

1.    To note the update report on the appraisal of negotiations to date and proposed dates for completion subject to their successful outcome.

2.    That Cabinet continue to support the negotiation process with the two preferred bidders for our Outdoor Education Centres: Braeside (Classes Abroad) and Oxenwood (Community First).

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that Wiltshire Council can secure Outdoor Education provision for the children and young people of Wiltshire through third-party agreements at two existing and well-regarded centres in our County.

To ensure outdoor education provision can continue to deliver a valuable and enriching service to education settings whilst supporting Wiltshire Council’s objectives and priorities.