Issue - meetings

A report that seeks approval for the extension of the current Oldham Advocacy Services contract in place with VoiceAbility for a further one year until 30^th October 2027.

Members considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Care, which was seeking approval for the extension of the current Oldham Advocacy Services contract in place with VoiceAbility for a further one year up to 30^th October 2027.

The report presented two Options:

Option A (preferred Option) – To approve the extension to the current contract from 1^st November 2026. This would enable continuity of services with a provider that provides good quality services whilst meeting their contractual obligations.

Option B – To not approve the extension and to let the current contract expire on 30^th October 2026. This would mean that a tender exercise would be required for the Oldham Advocacy Services contract, which could not be successfully completed within the timeframe before the contract expired.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Adult Social Care to:

1.    Authorise the Director of Adult Social Services exercises the delegated authority previously approved by the Council to extend the existing contract with VoiceAbility for the delivery of Oldham Advocacy Services until 31 October 2027.

2.    Note that this extension will ensure continuity of statutory advocacy provision, maintain service stability for residents, and retain a provider that is currently delivering the required quality and performance standards. The extension will also allow sufficient time for the development and procurement of a new contract arrangement from 1^st November 2027, while ensuring robust contract monitoring and performance oversight continue throughout the extension period.