Decision details

Neutral Agency Vendor Procurement

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

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).

Decision:

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.

Reasons for the decision:

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.

Alternative options considered:

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.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

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: