Content

10.1

The
Head of Commissioning introduced the report which highlighted to
the Committee that:
 
·      
Local authorities have a duty to provide a range of short breaks
services for families caring for a child with a disability and part
of Sheffield’s offer is access to contracted day time
sessions in small specialist clubs provided by local charities and
not for profit organisations.
·      
There are currently 14 Providers delivering this service to 344
children in 2023/24 via the Short Breaks Framework Agreement and
the Framework is in an extension year of a 4-year contract and
requires recommissioning to ensure compliance with procurement
regulations.
·      
A range of Stakeholder consultation has taken place over summer
2024 to inform the new specification and tender documentation and
remodelling of the service.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education,
Children and Families Policy Committee:-

Approve the recommissioning of a 4 year plus a potential
extension year of the Short Breaks Framework Agreement through
competitive tender process with the open market.
Approve the inclusion of Outward Bounds at a static level over 4
years and Activity Based Residential Short Breaks on the new
Framework.
Approve the overall 4-year budget £5,750,000 for Lots1 and
2 on the new Framework. Lot 3 Activity Based Residential Short
Breaks budget to be identified and agreed at a further
date.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The
Framework Agreement has expired and must be recommissioned to meet
procurement regulations. Our understanding of need, demand and the
lived experience of children and families living with disabilities
has developed over the years, along with our experience and
understanding of effectively managing a Framework Agreement to
commission services for children with disabilities. It's essential
that this learning, and evidence be translated into a new
commissioning arrangement that is fit for purpose for the next four
years.

10.3.2

Its essential that we build
sufficiency into the new Framework to ensure that we meet demand,
and prevent furthermore costly interventions, providing
preventative support to families who need it the most, as per our
statutory duty.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Alternative Option 1:
 
Further extension of the current contract This is
not viable due to procurement regulations. The current Framework is
not currently set up to flex adequately to meet demand, and the
current Lots are not fit for purpose to fully support inclusion,
choice and access. Outward Bounds and Activity Based Residential
Short Breaks have no formal commissioning Framework for purchasing
services and quality assuring them. Current Providers are lethargic
with commissioning arrangements at present, and some have indicated
that they would not agree to further extension under the terms and
conditions of the current Framework. There is a risk to service
continuity and a reputational risk for the council.

10.4.2

Alternative Option 2:
 
Do
nothing This not viable for the same reasons as above. The
Framework must comply with procurement regulations and is in an
extension year of a 4-year contract.