Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
This has previously been agreed through
Executive on 12 December 2023. This report recommends a change in
the procurement method. We now propose for approval to utilise the
Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) framework for Managed
Services for Temporary Agency Resources (MSTAR). The current
contract expires on 31st March 2025 and the new contract will be
effective from 1st April 2025. (A previous decision in December
2023 indicated that the intention was for Bracknell to conduct its
own standalone process).
RESOLVED that the procurement of a neutral agency vendor to provide the Council with agency staff is approved in accordance with the strategic procurement plan attached as Appendix A to this report.
The Council spends in excess of £8M a year on agency staff, of which on-contract
spend through Matrix currently has averaged 67% over the last financial year.
It is recommended a neutral agency vendor supplier is procured to fulfil our agency
worker requirements. However, as part of the procurement process there will be
explicit questions for suppliers to determine exactly how they will fulfil our social care
recruitment requirements to address our level of on-contract agency spend in this
area.
1. Procure software but manage the service internally. This is a significant change, though it has been done elsewhere, and would require additional resource.
2. Collaboration with neighbouring authorities to create greater economies of scale, but this would require neighbouring authorities to be undertaking procurement at the same time as Bracknell.
3. Procuring a supplier through a master vendor or hybrid model.
None
Reason Key: Expenditure > £400,000;
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: The council spend in excess of £7m pa on temporary agency resource. The intention is to better manage/control this spend through improved supply chain delivery and internal control mechanisms.
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director of Resources
Other reasons / organisations consulted
Bracknell Forest managers have been engaged
via a survey and focus groups to ensure the new service addresses
the challenges of the current contract and delivers on new
opportunities.
Consultees
Internal colleagues, unions and key
stakeholders.
Contact: Paul Young, Assistant Director: HR, OD and Payroll Email: paul.young@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 354060.
Report author: Paul Young
Publication date: 16/07/2024
Date of decision: 16/07/2024
Decided at meeting: 16/07/2024 - Executive
Effective from: 25/07/2024
Accompanying Documents: