Decision details

The Deputy Leader approves

1. The procurement strategy for the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) contract for an initial period of five years with the option to extend for a further two years, commencing 1^st September 2026. 

2. The procurement approach for the SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service contract for an initial period of five years with the option to extend for a further two years, commencing 1^st September 2026. 

3. Appendix 1 is not for publication on the basis that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) as set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

1. Provision of the SEND IASS service is statutory as set out in the Children & Families Act 2014. The SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) contract was awarded to Your Voice in Health and Social Care on 1 September 2021 and is due to expire on 31 August 2026 with no option to extend.  As outlined in the strategy, an open procurement for this service will allow the Council to test the market whilst achieving value for money via a competitive tender process.

2. Provision of the SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution service is statutory as set out in Chapter 11 of the Code of Practice. Further, the service must be independent of the local authority. The SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution contract was awarded to KIDS on 01 September 2021 and is due to expire on 31 August 2026 with no option to extend.  As outlined in the strategy, an open procurement for this service will allow the Council to maintain impartiality of service delivery and test the market to ensure value for money via a competitive tender process within an established pool of providers.

3. It should be noted that it is anticipated there will be large changes to the SEND regulatory landscape in the near future as a result of the proposed White Paper. We will work with Legal during the drafting of any contract for this procurement to include a variation clause which may be triggered as a response to any published Reforms. 

1. Open Tender Procurement (recommended)

This option is recommended. The service would be commissioned by the local authority through a third-party provider identified through a competitive open tender procurement exercise. The successful provider will be responsible for the employment of all staff and delivery of commissioned activity.

2. Commission delivery via another borough’s service. 

This option is not recommended. Delivery of the service would be provided by another LA’s delivery team, operating at ‘arms-length’ of the host LA. The host LA would maintain responsibility for employees and delivery of commissioned activity.

3. Deliver an in-house service. 

This option is not recommended. Service delivery would be brough in house with staff employed directly by the Council (excluding any volunteers). An ‘arms-length’ operating policy would be implemented.