The Officer Key Decision meeting on Monday 10 August 2026 was scheduled to discuss the extension of the SHL Sexual Health 'E-Service'. This service provides online STI screening and other sexual and reproductive health services to residents.

Permission to extend the SHL Sexual Health 'E-Service'

The meeting was scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the existing contract for the SHL Sexual Health 'E-Service' for a period of up to 12 months. This online portal, also known as the 'e-service', is crucial for providing quick access to sexual health services, managing demand in specialist clinics, and offering financial efficiencies. The current contract was due to expire on 30 August 2026.

The report pack indicated that the London Sexual Health Programme (LSHP), led by the City of London Corporation, had procured the e-service in 2017 on behalf of 30 London local authorities. Due to unforeseen delays in a new procurement process, caused by challenges from unsuccessful bidders, the LSHP recommended an extension of the existing contract with the provider, Preventx. The City of London Corporation was responsible for managing this extension, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation. An Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) also needed to be extended to enable the council to continue accessing the service.

The report highlighted that local authorities are mandated under the Health and Social Care Act (2012) to commission sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The e-service has been successful since its introduction in 2018, with approximately 20,000 residents using the service annually and around 2,000 STI kits issued each month. Resident feedback indicated high satisfaction, with 99% of users recommending the service. The report noted that online STI screening increases access to vital public health interventions, helping to reduce the need for treatment and minimise the risk of further infections.

The report also detailed the procurement challenges, including representations from HCRG Care Service Limited (HCRG) regarding the contract award to Preventx Limited. These challenges led to a review by the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel, which subsequently set aside its case review when the City of London Corporation decided to return to an earlier step in the provider selection process.

The proposal recommended that Fiona Connolly, Corporate Director of Adults (DASS), agree to the 12-month extension of the IAA with the City of London for the provision of online SRH services, with an estimated maximum value of £750,000. This extension was recommended for reasons related to performance, equity, resident engagement, and value for money. The report stated that the e-service generates significant cost savings, estimated at £1.5 million per year for Newham compared to face-to-face clinic services. Failure to approve the extension could lead to a gap in service provision and increased costs for face-to-face services.

The report also outlined how commissioning services to improve sexual and relationship health aligns with the 'Building a Fairer Newham' Corporate Plan and Newham's Health & Wellbeing Strategy, specifically in relation to resident wellbeing, safety for young people, and support for safe relationships and sexual health. The report indicated that no credible alternative options were considered at this stage, given the statutory nature of sexual health services and the essential role of the online service for affordability and demand management.

The financial implications of the proposed extension were estimated at £0.750m over 12 months, to be funded from the Public Health Grant budget. The report also addressed legal implications, noting the Council's general power of competence under the Localism Act 2011. Equalities implications were considered in relation to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under the Equality Act 2010, with a commitment to eliminating discrimination and advancing equality of opportunity. Procurement implications highlighted that the service is covered under a compliant IAA and that the City of London is following correct procedures under the Provider Selection Regime.

The report included an appendix with data on new STI diagnosis rates in London by ethnic group for 2025, sourced from UKHSA Official Statistics.