Purpose

This report seeks approval to the proposed procurement approach for the Islington and Camden joint Young Carers Service that will be led by Camden Procurement Team.

The Islington and Camden Young Carers Service is currently delivered by The Children’s Society, who work with our young carers and their families living in Islington and Camden. The service has been successful in improving outcomes for young carers across both boroughs and links into existing Council Services such as social care, education and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and contributes to the statutory requirement for the local authority to assess the needs of young carers in their area.

The current contract is due to expire on 14th July 2026 with no option to extend.  It is recommended that the Open Procedure is used under the Procurement Act 2023 to procure a light touch contract.  The process will incorporate responses to service specific scenarios, delivery methodology including being a psychologically informed environment and the supplier’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The proposed contract will run for 36 months with the option of a further extension of 24 months. The estimated annual value of £230,015 with a maximum contract value (including the extension) of £1,210,990. Islington’s funding for the contract will be at least £95,680 per annum and the North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) currently provide funding of £18,500 per annum. Capacity to award additional funding as part of this contract has been built into the contract terms and budget secured, to allow for service growth, should it be needed in line with the Young Carers Plan 2026-2029 of which an outcome is to have identified and supported more Young Cares in Camden.

This procurement strategy report is presented to the Director of Health and Wellbeing for approval, in line with Contract Standing Orders.

Decision

1. That the Director for Health and Wellbeing, following  consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, approves the procurement strategy, which includes a price/quality split of 40% price and 60% quality, a contract term of 36 months, plus one extension of 24 months at the sole discretion of the Council, for an estimated aggregate value (including extension) of £1,210,990 with Camden’s maximum spend being no more than £732,590. 
2. That the Director of Health and Wellbeing to request the sealing.