Decision details

To consider the report of the Service Director Children and Families and Director Quality and Integration seeking approval to appoint selected providers to the South Central framework for Independent Foster Care following the completion of a procurement process.

(i)  To authorise officers to appoint the organisations set out in Appendix 1 to the Framework Agreement.

(ii)  To delegate to the Service Director Quality and Integration following consultation with the Interim Service Director Children and Families and the Service Director Finance and Commercialisation and the Service Director Legal and Governance authority to enter into contractual arrangements with these organisations and to do all such ancillary activities as may be necessary to give effect to the recommendations of this report.

1.  The Framework Agreement has been procured via a fair, open and transparent process.

2.  Effective and appropriate use of the Framework Agreement will give Southampton City Council and participating Authorities assurance of quality in the provision of independently provided foster care and price stability in what will otherwise be a market characterised by variable and escalating costs over the next 4 years.

3.  A saving of £68K will be made by transferring existing placements to the new Contract. The new Contract also gives Southampton City Council access to significantly more providers and a wider range of options as detailed below for cost effectively meeting need and ensuring good outcomes for the city’s looked after children going forward.

•  Option 1 – Spot purchase. This option was rejected because of the increased risks in terms of cost and quality where each placement required would be subject to market forces on a case by case basis.

•  Option 2 – Set up a Framework for Southampton as a stand-alone exercise. This option was rejected, as experience and analysis suggested that greater economies of scale, improved outcomes (e.g.; placement stability) and best value for money could be obtained through a collaborative procurement process with other authorities.

None.