Purpose

To ensure continuity of provision and secure best value, the Council will undertake a competitive procurement exercise to appoint a new provider, in respect staff benefits contract

Decision

RESOLVED - That:
To approve the procurement and award of a contract for the provision of a Staff Benefits scheme to replace the current arrangement when it expires in January 2027.

Reasons for the decision

Option 1: To continue to provide a Staff Benefits Scheme through a competitive procurement exercise. This option would ensure employees and other eligible users continue to have access to a range of shopping, lifestyle and wellbeing benefits. Undertaking a competitive procurement exercise would enable the Council to test the market, secure best value and identify the provider best able to meet organisational and user needs.

Option 2: To discontinue the Staff Benefits Scheme. This option would remove access to the current benefits offer for employees and other eligible users. Whilst this would eliminate future procurement and contract management requirements, it could negatively impact employee experience and reduce the overall employment offer.

Alternative options considered

Option 2