Issue - meetings

      Report of the Chief Executive.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts & Tourism, Housing and Communities introduced the report seeking approval to proceed with a procurement for the supply of temporary agency staff, and following this procurement process, to delegate the award of the subsequent contract and potential extension (if utilised) in line with the proposal set out in the report.

Cllr Clewer reported that the council’s current contract for the supply of agency staff was awarded in 2017 for three years plus an optional extension year. The extension year was used in 2019 giving a contract end date of 21 September 2021. He explained that the tender will be run against an Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) framework that replaced the one under which the Council previously procured the current temporary agency contract.

In response to a question from Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats,  Cllr Clewer confirmed that the estimated contract value of £24m did include the contractor’s fees. 

Resolved:

1.    That officers continue to undertake the tender programme, award and implement a new contract to replace the existing contract expiring on 21 September 2021.

2.    That following this tender programme, that Cabinet delegate the subsequent authority to award a new contract for a duration of three years with an optional additional extension year, with a total estimated value of £24 million to the Director for HR&OD following consultation with the Cabinet member for Finance and the Director for Legal & Governance.

3.    That Cabinet delegate the authority to approve any subsequent optional extension periods to the Director for HR&OD, subject to satisfactory performance and following appropriate consultation with the Cabinet member for Finance and the Director for Legal and Governance.

Reason for Decision:

The Council has an ongoing requirement for temporary agency staff to deliver its business and a contract to ensure a supply of temporary agency staff meets this need.