Purpose

To seek approval for the continuation of adoption services by Adoption West from 1 April 2027

Decision

Cllr Ben Evans sought Cabinet approval for the continuation of adoption services by Adoption West from 1 April 2027.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Care, to:

1) Approve a Variation to the Adoption West Contract between Gloucestershire County Council, Adoption West Bath and North-east Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council and Wiltshire Council relating to the ongoing provision by Adoption West of adoption services. The Variation shall extend the term of the contract for an initial period of three years commencing 1 April 2027 and include two further two-year extension options (3 plus 2 plus 2 years). This includes a revised service specification and an updated performance framework (The rationale for this approach is set out Section 6 of the report, with the changes requiring the Variation set out in Section 10.)

2) Take all necessary steps and execute all necessary documentation (including, without limitation, the Inter-Authority Agreement, Members Agreement and Commissioning Agreement) between Gloucestershire County Council, Adoption West and the above-mentioned participating councils for the purpose of implementing the above Variation.