Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 12, 2025

Purpose: This report will seek approval to assume the role of lead accountable body for the design, procurement, and contract management of the South London Partnership's (SLP) Connect to Work employment programme.   By taking on this role, the Council will coordinate sub regional efforts to deliver this strategic initiative, ensuring efficient management, alignment with local priorities, and effective delivery of employment support across South London.  

Content: The Executive Mayor and Cabinet RESOLVED to;   2.1 Approve Croydon Council to become the lead accountable body on behalf of the South London Partnership (SLP) for the Connect to Work Programme. This will include the Council leading on supporting the design, procurement, commissioning and contract management of the contract.   2.2 Approve that upon contract award, Croydon Council can commence delivery of the Connect to Work from June 2025.   2.3 Delegate authority to the Director of Planning & Sustainable Regeneration, to enter into a grant agreement with the Department for Work & Pensions to fully fund the Connect to Work Programme delivery.   2.4 Delegate authority to the Director of Planning & Sustainable Regeneration, to enter into agreements with the SLP Partners (London Boroughs of Kingston upon Thames, Merton and Sutton) delivering on the Connect to Work Programme.   2.5 Delegate authority to the Director of Planning & Sustainable Regeneration to enter into an agreement with Richmond upon Thames in relation to their direct delivery arrangements.   2.6 Approve the procurement strategy to procure the delivery of the Connect to Work Programme via the Open Procedure for a 5 year contract with an optional 2 year extension with an estimated contract value of £29,100,000 across all SLP Partner boroughs and an estimated Croydon contract value of £18,080,400.   2.7 Note that the Chair of the Contracts & Commissioning Board has approved the recommendations in this report regarding the procurement strategy in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Tenders and Contracts Regulations.