Decision details

That the Deputy Leader:

1.     Notes that Appendix 1,2, 3 and 4 and Annex 3 are not for publication on the basis that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that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).

2.     Approves the intention to award the contract to the potential supplier, for the delivery of a high quality 0-5 Public Health Nursing service for Health Visiting in Hammersmith and Fulham subject to satisfactory contract optimisation.

3.     Delegates authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Director of People’s Services, to finalise the award and enter into the contract, following conclusion of contract optimisation.

Please refer to the report.

1.    Option 1 – Award Following Contract Optimisation
Proceed with an intention to award the contract subject to successful contract optimisation. This approach ensures continuity of service, meets statutory obligations under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and allows for further clarification and optimisation within the contract without the time and work associated with re-procurement.

2.    Option 2 – Do Not Award and Re-Commission
Undertake a full re-commissioning of the service through a new procurement process. This approach would involve initiating a competitive tender, allowing the opportunity to review and refine service specifications, incorporate lessons learned, and potentially achieve improved value and outcomes. While this option requires additional time and resources compared to awarding the existing contract, it is achievable within the current project timeline. The timeline includes sufficient contingency to accommodate the procurement process, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and continuity of service.

3.    Option 3 – Award Contract as Submitted
Awarding the contract in its current form is not recommended, as the proposal requires adjustments to ensure full compliance with the specification and delivery model. Proceeding without optimisation would present operational risks and limit the ability to achieve the intended service improvements.

4.    Option 4 – Do Nothing
This option is not viable. The Council has a statutory duty to provide Health Visiting services under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Failure to secure a provider would result in non-compliance with legal requirements and pose unacceptable risks to child health and safeguarding.