Decision details

(i)  To approve the recommendation to proceed with a procurement of an integrated AIG (Advice, Information and Guidance) service.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Quality & Integration to carry out a procurement process for the provision for AIG (Advice, Information and Guidance) services as set out in this report and to enter into contracts in accordance with the Contract Procedure Rules.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Quality & Integration following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members to decide on the final model of commissioned services for Advice, Information and Guidance (AIG) and all decision making in relation to this re-commissioning.

(iv)  To delegate to the Chief Strategy Officer, following consultation with relevant cabinet members and following an option appraisal, the authority to approve the inclusion of SID (Southampton Information Directory) in the appropriate procurement exercise.

(v)  To authorise the Director of Quality and Integration to take all necessary actions to implement the proposals contained in this report.

1.  The provision of effective AIG (Advice, Information and Guidance) services supports the outcomes the Council wants to achieve in relation to increasing prevention and early intervention approaches and helping people to find their own solutions as far as possible.

2.  There is an opportunity to specify the outcomes the Council wishes to see achieved and to simplify delivery and access arrangements through a procurement process.

3.  The funding arrangements for the current AIG services have come to an end and there is a need to re-commission these services to comply with the strategic approach the Council wishes to take in relation to funding and to  comply with public procurement law.

4.  A reliable information resource/directory is fundamental to an effective AIG service. The Southampton Information Directory (SID) is currently provided by the Council and if a procurement exercise proceeds a decision is needed on whether SID remains within the Council or whether it is integrated into a commissioned service.

1.  To continue to fund the same services without maximising the opportunities for efficiencies and developing an integrated approach to service delivery: this would not provide the most appropriate service and miss opportunities for improving access for individuals.

2.  To decommission some/all service areas: this would not achieve the necessary outcomes for residents and while it may achieve some savings, it would not support the strategic approach to increase the focus on prevention and early intervention approaches. It is likely that any savings would be mitigated by activity moving to other service areas including internal Council services.

3.  To continue to fund AIG services through a mix of contracts and grants: this does not support recent decisions taken in relation to the use of grant funding and the aim to specify core services more clearly.

4.  To continue to support SID independently of this decision: this would not maximise the opportunity to consider further integration of services to support Council outcomes in relation to prevention and early intervention approaches.