Decision

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Executive Resolved to:-

1)    Approve the conclusions and recommendations of the Somerset Health and Care Academy Full Business Case attached at Appendix 1.

2)    Approve establishment of the Somerset Health and Care Academy through a contractual joint venture between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board.

3)    Subject to agreement with MHCLG of a compliant funding and expenditure strategy for the management of project expenditure, delegate authority to the Head of Legal Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Executive Director Adult Social Care and Housing, to finalise and complete the Collaboration Agreement, including any non-material amendments required prior to execution.

4)    Approve the proposed property arrangements whereby Somerset Council retained freehold ownership of the site and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust act as Host Organisation and anchor tenant for the Academy operational areas.

5)    Subject to agreement with MHCLG of a compliant funding and expenditure strategy for the management of project expenditure, approve progression of implementation and mobilisation activities necessary to establish the Academy and approve expenditure of up to £80,000 from earmarked reserves to support delivery of Academy mobilisation activities which would take place prior to completion of the construction period and would complete ahead of the operational phase; including website development, digital and ecommerce solutions, communications, marketing, branding and associated implementation requirements.

6)    Approve an increase in the Somerset Health and Care Academy capital budget of £2.5 million, funded through reallocation of Local Regeneration Fund resources from the Tonedale project allocation.

7)    Approve expenditure of up to £609,400 in respect of Academy design development and pre-construction services procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework and associated activities necessary to progress the project towards construction contract award.

8)    Subject to agreement with MHCLG of a compliant funding and expenditure strategy for the management of project expenditure, delegate authority to the Executive Director Community, Place and Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets and the Section 151 Officer, to approve the award of the main construction contract and any associated enabling works or early works packages, provided that such commitments remained within the approved project funding envelope.