Purpose

This report seeks approval of the award of contract for the Individual Placement Support Service (IPS) for service users of drug and alcohol treatment services. The IPS service is an evidence-based programme which aims to support residents to find and maintain meaningful employment.

This contract is funded by the IPS grant from the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) which now forms part of the overall drug and alcohol grant (within the Public Health Grant).

Following a competitive process in accordance with the open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, this report seeks approval to award the contract to Change Grow Live Services Ltd. The contract will start on 1st August 2026 for a period of 32 months plus one extension of six (6) months at the sole discretion of the Council, for an estimated aggregate value including the extension of £665,000.

This report is being presented to the Director of Health and Wellbeing for approval in accordance with Contract Standing Order C4.1.

Decision

THAT the award of the Individual Placement Support contract to Change Grow Live from 1st August 2026 for a period of 32 months (including one contract extension of 6 months) for the sum of £210,000 per annum (£665,000 in aggregate including the contract extension) be agreed.