Purpose

Gateway 1 report, seeking permision to re - tender the Family Group Conference (FGC) Service.

Decision

That approval be granted in agreement with the Director of Children, Education and Families, Director of Corporate Services and Governance, Assistant Director of Governance and Contracts and the Director of Finance to proceed to tender for a new Family Group Conference service for a five-year contract commencing 1 April 2024, with the option to extend for a further two years, at an estimate annual value of £129.6k (estimated whole life value of £907k).

Reasons for the decision

The Family Group Conference service is a key tool in early intervention that supports children and young people to remain within their family networks and reduces the number going into the care system.  The existing contract for the provision of this service will end on 31 March 2024.