Purpose

To seek approval to recommission the SEND Information Advice and Support Service.

Decision

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimous vote in favour):

1. To authorise the Executive Director for Children and Education in consultation with the Chair of the Children and Young People Committee to procure and award the contract necessary for the implementation of the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service, in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in the report.
2. To authorise the Executive Director for Children and Education to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.
3. To authorise the Executive Director for Children and Education in consultation with the Chair of the Children and Young People Committee and the Director: Finance to vary the contract within delegated approvals where increased demand or rising costs mean the service can no longer meet the National Minimum Standards.
4. To authorise the Head of Procurement & Contract Management to approve appropriate procurement routes to market where these are not yet fully defined in this report, or if changes to procurement routes are subsequently required.