Decision Maker: Executive Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025

Purpose: The report sought permission to award a contract to Change, Grow, Live (CGL) to deliver a Substance Misuse Service following a procurement process which was conducted fully in accordance with PSRs. This followed a previous decision taken by Executive Cabinet on 25 June 2025 to review service provision and work with STAR to issue a Direct Award under Provider Selection Regime(PSR) Direct Award Process C, to Change, Grow, Live (CGL) for the provision of a Drugs and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery for a contract commencing on 1 April 2026.

Content: RESOLVED That approval be given for the award of the contract to Change, Grow, Live (CGL) to deliver a Substance Misuse Service. The contract is for a period of five years commencing on 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031 with the option to extend for a further period of five years at a total cost of £3,263m per annum. (Total cost over five years is £16,315m)

Alternative options considered: The following option was considered and rejected: Undertake a competitive tender process – this is not the preferred option as this service met the criteria for Direct Award Process under PSRs. When using the Direct Award Process C regime, relevant authorities are expected to undertake reasonable and proportionate due diligence on providers. Relevant authorities are expected to consider whether the organisation they enter a contract with has the legal and financial capacities and the technical and professional abilities to deliver the contract.