Decision details

Procurement Plan for South Central Independent Fostering Agency Framework 2022

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek approval of the Procurement Plan for the next South Central Independent Fostering Agency Framework. Bracknell Forest Council has been a partner in the South Central IFA Framework since April 2017, the current Framework ends on 31st March 2022.

Decision:

 

      i.        the recommendations contained in the Strategic Procurement Plan be agreed:

 

a.    That Bracknell Forest Council enter into a partnership agreement (the Partnership) with 15 LA’s where Southampton City Council will be the lead procuring authority for the procurement of a new framework for IFA provision (4 year term commencing on April 2022).

 

b.    It is anticipated that the total expenditure by the Council through the

South Central framework will be between £800,000 and £1,000,000 per

annum, giving a maximum total for the four years of £4,000,000. Approval of this Strategic Procurement Plan therefore authorises all future call offs from this Framework that does not exceed £4,000,000 over the term of the framework.

Reasons for the decision:

The Strategic Procurement Plan provides detailed reasons for the above

recommendations. To summarise, the reasons for the recommendations are:

 

1.    Continuity - the majority of the Council IFA placements are on the current Framework – BFC is very reliant on this Framework for IFA placements due to the challenging IFA Market.

2.    Market management and engagement and choice – As a small unitary being part of a partnership with other Local Authorities, increases the Council’s influence in a challenging IFA Market.

3.    Financial value and collective market management opportunities for local authorities - the IFA Framework prices are fixed for 4 years, providing some stability in a market where costs are increasing annually.

4.    Procurement and Contract Management functions (provided by Bournemouth,

Christchurch & Poole) help reduce the workload and risk for the Council

5.    Quality and Outcomes – The IFA Framework placements meet the needs of our children and young people. They offer high quality support and good outcomes for our children and young people.

Alternative options considered:

The Alternative Options are outlined in more detail in the Strategic Procurement Plan:

 

1.    Do Nothing – spot purchase all IFA Placements. The Council previously spot

purchased all its IFA placements and it is widely recognised that this approach isn’t usually effective or offers value for money.

2.    To join a different IFA Framework - Strategic Commissioning identified other IFA Frameworks, however, none of the other Frameworks offer a better geographic fit than the South Central Framework or such strong contract management support.

3.    To only use the Council’s in-house foster placements - The Council would prefer to use their in-house foster carers, however there are not enough in-house foster carers to meet demand.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Financial Impact: Involvement in the IFA framework is intended to support the Council to secure high quality foster placements for children who need them at prices that represent value for money. Being part of the framework does not commit the Council to any specific level of spend.

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director, People

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Not applicable

Consultees

Not applicable

Contact: Thom Wilson, Assistant Director: Commissioning Email: thom.wilson@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 354142.

Report author: Thom Wilson

Publication date: 16/03/2021

Date of decision: 16/03/2021

Decided at meeting: 16/03/2021 - Executive

Effective from: 25/03/2021

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    Contact Information

    Democratic services

    Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk