Agenda item

Barnet Healthy Child Programme (HCP) Services Update on Contract Award Decision

Dr Djuretic explained that a paper had been taken to Policy and Resources Committee in February 2017 which outlined different options and feasibility studies that were undertaken in relation to each of the options. She explained that when the In-House options were reviewed, it was agreed that this was not the best option. The decision was therefore taken to go out to procurement. Dr Djuretic explained that the programme had been inherited by the Local Authority from the CCG in 2015 without many performance indicators, which made it difficult to drive through improvements.

Dr Djuretic explained that a closed procurement took place in 2019 via a Section 75, two bids were received, however one was a non-complaint bid. The award was given to the other bid in 2019 however, subsequently, in January the bid was withdrawn, so the Local Authority had no option but to extend the CLCH contract.

In the meantime, Officers tried to secure a procurement with another NHS NCL provider, but the CCG did not support this as they felt it was not the appropriate time. The Local Authority was left with only one option which was to go through an open procurement which resulted in bids from two NHS providers and one private provider. Solutions 4 Health received the highest score and their bid demonstrated an ability to deliver the Healthy Child Programme Services as specified within the service specification and within the budget. Solutions 4 Health demonstrated that they have experience of delivering HCP and other NHS services elsewhere and that they share the values of Barnet Council in putting children and families first.

Consequently, several consultations and meetings with staff took place, due to the change in moving from an NHS provider to a private one. The main concern and focus was on ensuring the improvement of services and ensuring that there was no impact on outcomes for children.

A Member raised concerns that this was the second time a private contractor had been chosen and the process had not felt particularly open. The Member also said that the HOSC had a clear interest as previous reports had been scrutinised in 2017. The Member said it had been clear at the end of the Policy and Resources Committee that Members wished for in-house solutions to be looked at, due to key areas of the service under performing. The Member felt that once the in-house option had been found to be unsuitable, the item should have been brought back to the Committee to allow scrutiny and challenge. The Member also asked what the contingency was in the event that the provider failed to deliver within the financial envelope agreed for these services.

Dr Djuretic explained that the process had been transparent throughout and that the Report was taken back to the Policy and Resources Committee. She said the HOSC did not play a role in scrutinising procurement processes. Dr Djuretic explained that the financial schedules, penalties and performance management processes were all outlined in the contract.

A Member asked about the advertisement for an HR advisor for Solutions 4 Health. Dr Djuretic said that the adviser would be focusing on driving through solutions for reducing inequalities.

The Chairman asked when the handover from CLCH to Solutions 4 Health would be completed. Dr Djuretic advised that the contract would start on 1 April 2022, with the next three to four months being the transitional phase. She said she was happy to bring an update to the HOSC in July 2022.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the update on the Barnet Healthy Child Programme Services and the awarding of the contract to Solutions 4 Health.