Decision details

That a further award of contract to the existing provider be approved via an exemption to competitive tendering for a nine month period from 1^st July 2016 to 31^st March 2017, during which the contract will be retendered based on a revised specification.

The existing contract for support services to children at risk of sexual exploitation is due to end on 30^th June 2016.  The initial retendering process commenced in early 2016, but an Ofsted Inspection had been undertaken of Children’s Social Care services from 11^th April to 5^th May 2016, and it is now proposed that the service specification be reviewed to accommodate any outcomes from this Inspection.  To support the provision of ongoing specialist support from the current practitioner for the existing caseload of young people, an increase in capacity to accommodate a waiting list of six children and the continuation of planned training sessions for practitioners whilst the review is being undertaken, it is proposed to continue with the existing provision and provider for a further period of nine months with an increase in capacity, via an exemption to competitive tendering, until a new contract can be put in place.