Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule (Schedule 1) 5.3.2. for the award of contract to Matrix SCM from 1 October 2026 to 2 February 2028 including an option to extend for a further period of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate to 2 February 2029.

Decision

(i) That, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule Schedule 1 5.3.2 a contract be awarded to Matrix SCM Ltd for Supply of Temporary Agency Workers using the ESPO Framework - Managed Services for Temporary Agency Resources (MSTAR4) from 1 October 2026 to 2 February 2028, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 2 February 2029.

(ii) That the Procurement and Legal Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation after conclusion of the call-in period.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected due to ongoing recruitment difficulties and the statutory duties that need to be undertaken. An inability to engage agency workers on a short term basis through a contract of this nature would have a major impact on service delivery and the Council’s ability to deliver the Council Plan.

Seek Competition (Quotation / Tender): The current contract is a joint agreement across the Liverpool City Region. The contract is working well and a move away from this existing contract would not be beneficial at this point in time and not provide the same savings.