Purpose

To seek approval to issue a
contract to Consultancy Plus, following the completion of a
compliant procurement exercise, for the delivery of an externally
managed team of Social Workers.

Decision

Decision(s)
 
That the issuing of a three-month contract to
Consultancy Plus for the delivery of an externally managed Social
Work Team be approved.
 
Reason(s) for the
Decision(s):
 
Sefton Adult Social Care has been working with
the external organisation Consultancy Plus to provide additional
Social Work Managed Team capacity where needed to address areas of
high need and demand. This supplements the procurement of agency
staff via the matrix system and is an approach which has been
adopted by a number of Local Authorities. This arrangement is an
interim measure whilst longer term plans are put in place across
the workforce and transformation programmes. 
 
Alternative Options
Considered and Rejected
 
Not Issuing a new contract / Not extending the
delivery of a Targeted Team – this option was
considered and rejected as there is a need to ensure that
additional dedicated resources are in place to conduct assessments
and meet statutory duties.