The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee met on Tuesday 29 April 2025 to discuss and approve several key contracts and service extensions. Decisions made included the approval of an extension to the security services contract, the appointment of contractors for the Asset Management Delivery Framework, and the approval of remedial works for Stoke Newington Library.

Security Services Contract - Lot A, Hackney Corporate Site Security Contract

The committee approved an extension of the current call-off contract for security services (Lots A, B, and C) for one year, from 3 August 2025 to 2 August 2026. This extension is intended to provide time for re-procurement. The preferred procurement strategy for Lot A (Corporate Site Security Services) was also approved, which involves a closed framework agreement in conjunction with Lots B and C. A key aspect of this strategy is bringing the Meet and Greet role for corporate buildings and ceremonial duties back in-house, to be delivered by the Facilities Management and Customer Operations Team. The tender process for Lot A will proceed on a 50% quality, 50% price basis, with Lots A and B combined into a single Lot 1, and Lot C running separately as Lot 2.

The decision to favour Option 1 (re-procurement with a joint delivery model) over Option 2 (full insourcing of Lot A) was based on financial considerations and risk assessment. Option 1 is projected to result in a cost reduction of approximately £1 million for Lot A alone, whereas insourcing was estimated to cost considerably more over a four-year period and introduce significant organisational risks. The committee noted that insourcing would not align with the council's manifesto commitment to insource services, but the financial implications and increased risks made it the less favourable option.

Stoke Newington Library External Remedial Works

The committee approved the appointment of Supplier A to deliver external remedial works at Stoke Newington Library. These works include repairs and improvements to the roof, windows, brickwork, and masonry of the Grade 2 Listed building. The library has been closed since March 2024 due to significant deterioration, including roof collapses and facade damage, necessitating urgent repairs to preserve its historic fabric. The project aims not only to restore the building but also to create opportunities for interior refurbishment, potentially transforming the library into a community hub with spaces available for hire. The overall cost and budget for these works are covered by the existing Capital programme, and no additional funding is required.

Commissioning of Clinical Sexual Health Services

The committee agreed to extend the current contract for Clinical Sexual Health Services with Homerton Healthcare Foundation Trust. The extension will run from 1 August 2025 to 31 March 2026, with a value of £2,533,333, and includes an option to extend for a further year at a value of £3,800,000 per annum. Additionally, the contract for the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) in-reach and out-reach nurse, originally a variation to the main contract, will be extended from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 at a value of £87,793 per annum.

These extensions are necessary due to delays in the publication of the London Sexual Health Programme service specification and the need for further service redesign work to ensure the financial sustainability of the service model. The extensions will allow for this redesign and for the results of a London-wide open book exercise to inform future commissioning. The SRH nurse provision is highlighted as crucial for improving access to sexual and reproductive health services for young residents in Hackney and the City of London.

Provision of Family Time Services for Looked After Children

A contract for the Provision of Family Time Services for Looked After Children was approved for award to Provider C. The contract will have a maximum period of five years (3+1+1 years) with a total cost of up to £3,333,989. This service is essential for children looked after by the local authority, ensuring they maintain contact with their families, which is vital for their well-being and potential rehabilitation. The new contract will commence by 1 September 2025, replacing the previous provider whose contract ended due to administration. The service is expected to deliver a minimum of 14,500 hours of contact per annum.

The committee considered and rejected insourcing the service, estimating it would incur an additional cost of £269,000 per annum (a 40% increase) and require significant management time. An in-house service was also deemed to lack the independence of an external provider, which can be beneficial in court proceedings.

Asset Management Delivery Framework for Construction Contractors

The committee approved the award of the Asset Management Delivery Construction Contractors Framework Agreement to support the Council's Capital programme. This framework will provide a rapid, accessible, and cost-effective route to appointing vetted contractors, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), for mechanical, electrical, and fabric works. The framework will consist of three lots: Lot 1 (Mechanical) awarded to Bidders A, B, C, and D; Lot 2 (Electrical) awarded to Bidders L, A, B, and M; and Lot 3 (Fabric) awarded to Bidders A, R, E, and I. This initiative aims to streamline the procurement process, save money, and provide access to a quality-tested list of contractors, thereby speeding up project delivery and ensuring value for money. The framework is expected to have a total value of £69.5m over four years.