Decision Maker: Service Director Childrens Social Care

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 30, 2025

Purpose: The decision to utilise the existing 12-month extension option for Kids, is to ensure the City of Doncaster can continue to deliver a mediation service that will remain to be consistent and meet the needs of the service area and families. Furthermore, due to this being the last extension available a full procurement exercise will be needed; by utilising this extension, time then will be available to go to market and complete a service review in line with procurement requirements. Ensuring no interruption in delivery enabling a smooth transition to whoever is successful in the future. The approximate overall contract value is per annum.

Content: To utilise the final extension option available with a start date of the 9th of August 2025. The initial contract was for 2 years from 9th August 2021 and allows for three 12-month extensions. Kids mediation would initially continue as normal for the first 6 months of the extension by taking new mediation referrals where required, and then within the remaining and final 6 months that follow, to complete and finalise work on any outstanding mediations and begin the handover process. Work will shortly begin on a new procurement exercise for this service following procurement recommendations and timeline, likely to commence in late August early September 2025. Kids can still apply for the new tender opportunity for a Mediation Service, and if successful, Kids would begin to again take on new mediation cases within the final 6 months of their contract. If unsuccessful the provider who is awarded would start to pick up any new cases. It is essential that there is a cross over period so the service can continue without disruption. Kids have agreed to waiver their usual annual uplift request payment of 4% for the final extension period.