Issue details

Extension of Dynamic Purchasing System for 16+ services

The County Council sources a range of different accommodation options as part of preparing young people aged 16 years and over who are looked after for living independently.  These accommodation services are accessed via a dynamic purchasing system (DPS), a mechanism that enables the Council to match a young person’s needs with a suitable accommodation provider.

 

The 16+ services DPS sets out the minimum standards that the Council requires to evidence that the organisations with which young people are placed are safe, appropriate and of good financial standing.  The DPS is the mechanism used to form a preferred provider list and enables the Council to carry out further inspections to ensure that services continue to operate in a safe and appropriate way. These processes and mechanisms are critical for 16+ services, as they are not regulated by Ofsted and therefore the Council must take full responsibility for monitoring.

 

The current DPS for 16+ services has run for an initial contract term of 3 years, which ended in March 2020.  The contract allows for an extension period of two years and it is proposed to utilise this option. New applicants are currently waiting to join the DPS, which would increase the supply of services available to young people. Extending the DPS will also allow the Children’s Commissioning and Contracts Team the time to consider future options for services for young people aged 16+, including reviewing the service model to enable greater strategic alignment with the goals of Children, Young People and Learning.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 28/09/2020

Decision due: November 2020 by Executive Director Children, Young People and Learning

Lead member: Lucy Butler, Director of Children, Young People and Learning lucy.butler@westsussex.gov.uk

Lead director: Lucy Butler

Contact: Shelly Dichello, Children's Contracts and Commissioning Manager Email: shelly.dichello@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 24131.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Executive Director of Children, Young People and Learning via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

Consultees

Procurement

Legal

Finance

Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553

Background3: Best Start in Life

Decisions

Background papers