Decision details

Exemption from Contract Procedure Rules in order to invest in and enter a licence agreement for the Essential Parent App

Decision Maker: Executive Director Children and Young People (Director of Childrens Services)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

The purpose of the report is to request approval to invest in the Essential Parent (EP) Family Hub App that has recently been developed with GMCA and the GM localities. The investment will allow Oldham to provide all parents with a free at the point of use app that supports families from pregnancy through to 19 years (or 25 years for young people with additional needs). The app translates all articles into a parent’s chosen
language (75 languages available). The App forms part of Oldham’s emerging digital offer for families and young people from pregnancy to 25 years of age.

Decision:

RESOLVED - That: exemption be approved from the Procurement Procedure Rules and invest in the Essential Parent app with a three year contract.

Reasons for the decision:

Option 1 - To approve the exemption to Procurement Procedure rules and purchase the licence for Essential Parent app.
Option 2 - To not approve the exemption to Procurement Procedure rules and purchase the licence for Essential Parent app.

Alternative options considered:

Option 2 - To not approve the exemption to Procurement Procedure rules and purchase the licence for Essential Parent app. This is because without doing so there is a risk that parents in Oldham will not be fully supported to ensure that their children have the best start in life and are school ready.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

None

Contact: Bruce Penhale, Head of Stronger Communities Service Email: bruce.penhale@oldham.gov.uk Email: Bruce.penhale@oldham.gov.uk.

Publication date: 02/09/2025

Date of decision: 18/08/2025

Accompanying Documents: