Decision details

This report seeks exemption from contract procedure rules in order to make a direct award to Achievement for All, to lead and coordinate a local SEN Support and Inclusion quality improvement project.
This would secure continuity and consistency in the delivery of support to schools and early years settings. Achievement for All has extensive local knowledge and a proven track record of leading and implementing support around SEN and inclusion over a number of years.

RESOLVED - That: approval for a direct award to re-instate is granted for Achievement for All will ensure that the programme can seamlessly continue. This will significantly reduce a number of significant barriers such as timeliness, building new relationships and building up on previous learning outcomes to maximise the potential outcomes for providers, children and their families.

Option 1 - Grant the award
Option 2 - Seek quotes via the chest

Seek quotes via the chest. –
This Option would pose a significant risk in the following areas:
•The OA Board are supporting the commissioning of AFA as a national organisation with recognised expertise in this area
•Achievement for All have already delivered and evaluated the initial programme. Commissioning a third party could potentially affect existing relationships with providers.
•The seeking quotes via chest and the commissioning process would have significant implications for project delivery timescales
•Commissioning a third party could potentially damage the existing relationship with providers and present significant barriers to the delivery of the programme.
•The seeking quotes via chest and the commissioning process would have significant implications for project delivery timescales
•The time bound nature of this funding means that following wider procurement procedures could result is less time for project delivery and cause risk to the identified outcomes.
•Will not build capacity within Oldham and children from vulnerable backgrounds will continue to have additional barriers to access high quality early education.

The delegated decision paper was shared with SPP Team, Legal, Procurement and Finance.
Following agreement from all services, the paper was shared with the Director for the final decision.