Decision details

Salford City Council – Record of Decision

I Councillor Youd, Lead Member for Finance and Support Services and chairman of the Procurement Board, in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution do hereby approve:

·      Approval to Award the Contract for Salford Advocacy Hub

The Reasons: following a fair and transparent open tender process Mind in Salford are deemed to be the most economically advantageous tender. They scored high on quality and cost and have demonstrated that they are able to provide a robust Advocacy Service for the people of Salford.

Options considered and rejected were: Under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Health Act 1983, Local Authorities have a duty to commission an independent Advocacy service. The current Salford Advocacy Hub contract had been extended twice for a 12-month period and once for a 3-month period as an Exception to Contractual Standing Orders. Therefore, the option to carry out an open tender was the only option considered.

Assessment of Risk: The Salford Advocacy Hub is a statutory service that Salford City Council must provide. There would be a medium level of risk if there are delays in awarding as there could be an opportunity to extend the incumbents contract or spot purchase from another provider. However, the incumbent has been successful in the tendering process. There is a low level of risk awarding the contract as it would ensure that Salford City Council continue to meet their statutory duties to provide independent advocacy.

The source of funding is: TheBudget that will meet the cost of the scheme is part Integrated Fund and part People Adults revenue budget.

Legal Advice obtained: Yes

Financial Advice obtained: Yes

Procurement Advice obtained: Yes

HR Advice obtained: N/A

Climate Change Implications obtained: The terms and conditions of the contract is inclusive of a specific clause relating to climate change. This requires the provider to be actively supportive of the climate change agenda in achieving a carbon neutral status by 2038.

The following documents have been used to assist the decision process:

·      ‘Approval to Award the Contract for Salford Advocacy Hub’

(if the documents disclose exempt or confidential information, they should not be listed, but the following wording shall be inserted: "(The relevant documents contain exempt or confidential information and are not available for public inspection)":

Contact Officer: Lauren Fairey

Telephone number: 07977260234

This matter is also subject to consider by the Lead Member for Adult Services Health and Wellbeing. The Lead Member has been consulted and is supportive of the proposed contract.

FOR DEMOCRATIC SERVICES USE ONLY

*           This decision was published on 15 March 2023

*           This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 23 March 2023 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.