Purpose

Making every contact count (MECC) is a well-established approach
to making the most of each and every opportunity to help people
improve their health and wellbeing. It encourages conversations
based on behaviour change methodologies (ranging from brief advice
to more advanced behaviour change techniques), empowering residents
to make healthier lifestyle choices and exploring the wider social
determinants that influence health. MECC face-to-face training
provides practical skills and knowledge to staff to deliver MECC
conversations.
 
In 2016 this service was contracted jointly by Camden and
Islington, through a framework agreement as there was uncertainty
about the capacity of providers to deliver this type of training.
However, only one provider was used during the lifetime of the
contract and there is now a market available to deliver the
specification under one contract. The training was recommissioned
in 2020, for a further 2 two years with two optional extension
periods of one year each. Both of these extensions have been used,
and the contract is due to end in March 2024.
 
This procurement strategy proposes continuing the MECC training
programme through a third-party supplier. The contract will be for
an initial three-year period from April 2024, with two possible
extensions of one-year each after that. The annual cost would be
£58,600 per year (£29,300 in Camden and £29,300
in Islington) with a total cost of £293,000 including both
extensions. The total cost in Camden over of the lifetime of the
contract will be
£146,500. Camden will be leading the procurement on behalf
of both boroughs.
The service operates in line with key objectives of local
strategies and plans which include:

•        
We Make Camden which sets out a long-term ambition that Camden
communities support good health, wellbeing and connection for
everyone so that they can start well, live well, and age well.

•        
Camden Health and Wellbeing Strategy which places a priority on
prevention, tackling the causes of health-related problems,
focusing on the social determinants of health and promoting
healthier choices.

•        
North Central London Integrated Care System strategic aims to embed
MECC training at a partnership level as part of broader behaviour
and lifestyle health priorities.
 
 

Content

THAT the Director of Health and Wellbeing agrees the procurement
strategy, which includes a price/quality split of 40/60 and
contract term of five (5) years (3 years with two one-year
extensions) for the total estimated value of £293,000 (of
which Camden’s investment is £146,500 and
Islington’s investment is £146,000) as set out in this
report.