Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 5, 2024

Purpose:

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.