Purpose

This report seeks approval for the award of contracts to 5 suppliers following a competitive procurement exercise and the creation of a below-threshold open list for the provision of Investigating Officer and Independent Person services on an ad-hoc basis. 

The Investigating Officer and Independent Person Services are required to handle complaints within stage two of the complaints procedure made about the services children and young people receive, and to conduct thorough investigations throughout the formal Stage of the Complaints process in accordance with the legal requirement under the Children’s Act 1989. 

This report seeks approval for the establishment of a below-threshold pool of suppliers for the provision of Investigating Officer and Independent Person services on an ad-hoc basis, and the award of contract to 5 suppliers following a competitive process.  Delegated Authority is also being sought for the addition of further suppliers to be admitted during its lifetime and to delegate authority for subsequent call-offs in accordance with the published allocation mechanism.

The below-threshold open pool of suppliers will be open for a maximum period of 48 months from 16th February 2026, with an estimated total spend up to a maximum of £150,000.

This report is being submitted to the Borough Solicitor for approval in line with Contract Standing Orders to approve the appointment of 5 suppliers to be added to an open list of suppliers for the for ad hoc provision of Investigating Officer and Independent Person Services.

Decision

THAT the Borough Solicitor:

1. Approves the strategy and award of 5 contracts, and the creation of a below-threshold open list for the provision of Investigating Officer and Independent Person services, for a period of 48 months from 16th February 2026 through to 15 February 2030, for an estimated total spend up to £150,000. 
2. Delegates the authority for approval for the addition of further suppliers to be admitted during its lifetime and to delegate authority for subsequent call-offs in accordance with the published allocation mechanism to the Interim Head of Business Support.