Decision

To approve the direct award of a contract for the provision of AI apprenticeship training (‘the contract’) for a term of two years to the supplier identified and at the cost outlined in the exempt appendix.

To finalise the terms and conditions of and enter into the contract in

Reasons for the decision

The Chief Executive has considered the available options and approves the direct award of a contract for the provision of AI apprenticeship training. Market engagement undertaken with potential providers concluded that the recommended provider offers the strongest quality of provision, including course content, delivery methodology, learner support and alignment with organisational requirements. As apprenticeship training is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and providers operate within prescribed funding bands, price was not a determining factor in the evaluation. The decision is therefore based on the quality and suitability of the training offer, with the recommended provider representing the most advantageous option to support the Council’s workforce development and AI skills objectives.

Alternative options considered

Undertake a competitive procurement exercise to invite bids from training providers.  This option was not recommended as soft market research had already identified the preferred provider as offering the strongest quality of provision.  Given that apprenticeship training is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and providers charge against the same funding bands, a procurement exercise would be unlikely to achieve any cost savings and would delay implementation of the training programme.

Award the contract to an alternative apprenticeship training provider.  This option was considered but not recommended because market research indicated that alternative providers did not offer the same level of quality, course content, learner support, and alignment with organisational requirements as the recommended provider. 

Take no action and not procure AI apprenticeship training.  This option was rejected as it would limit opportunities to develop workforce capability in AI.