Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
To agree to procurement commencing for the
selection of an occupational health provider to directly follow on
from the termination of the current contract, which terminates on
30 June 2024. The new contract will be effective from 1 July
2024.
i. the proposed re-procurement of an occupational health contract for the provision of occupational health service for staff who work for the council in any capacity, including schools is approved.
ii. following the completion of the procurement process, the contract award be delegated to the Executive Director: Resources in consultation with the Executive Member, Finance and Business Change.
The Council currently spends approximately £80,000 a year on its current
occupational health service, which provides a variety of services, such as; preemployment screening, sickness referrals, ill-health retirement, management
guidance and advice as well as health surveillance such as; statutory hearing tests,
night worker assessments as well as immunisation, disablement advice, home visits,
emergency planning advice, health related risk assessments, training and advice
services, and health promotions when required. The provision of these services
supports managers with staff absence management and employees early return to
work which has a positive impact on sickness absence levels.
i. Consideration has been given to securing a provider to supply both occupational health and counselling services, which was the approach undertaken the last time the service was procured. However, as there were no bids at that time to provide both services, separate procurements are being undertaken on this occasion.
ii. If we were no longer to provide an occupational health service then this would be considered to have a negative impact on managing staff absence and would likely have an adverse impact on the level of days lost to sickness absence.
None
Reason Key: Expenditure > £400,000;
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: Existing budget plus an anticipated £10,000 per annum increase which will be included in the 2024/25 budget proposals.
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director of Resources
Other reasons / organisations consulted
Meetings with interested parties
Consultees
Bracknell Forest Council staff, including
schools’ employees, have been sent a questionnaire to attain
information from them on the current OH provider and what they want
from an OH service.
Contact: Heema Shukla, Acting Director: Public Health Email: heema.shukla@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Report author: Paul Young
Publication date: 17/10/2023
Date of decision: 17/10/2023
Decided at meeting: 17/10/2023 - Executive
Effective from: 25/10/2023
Accompanying Documents: