Decision details

The decision seeks approval to allow the formal transfer of services from Sheffield City Council to Learn Sheffield. The report recommends E-Learning and the Governors Improvement Service transfer under the management of Learn Sheffield commencing 1^st December 2017. The report sets out the basis for the transfer of services, contract management and development opportunities.

Learn Sheffield was established to manage and drive School Improvement across the City. Learn Sheffield is now keen to further grow its business model and, as such, requires opportunities to do so. Transferring E-Learning and Governors Services to Learn Sheffield may allow for financial growth, potentially enhance the service office and support the ethos of school improvement.

That the Executive Leader:-

(i) notes that the transfer is now unlikely to be able to take place prior to the 1 December;

(ii) approves the inclusion in the concession contract with Learn Sheffield of an option for the Governance Improvement Service and/or the E-Learning Service to be transferred to Learn Sheffield on a permanent basis at the end of the initial term of the contract on the basis set out in the report; and

(iii) delegates authority, to the extent not already delegated within the Leader’s Scheme of Delegations, to the Director of Business Strategy, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Director of Legal and Governance, to make any decision to extend the contract.

Transfer to Learn Sheffield on a concession basis with the option for a business transfer at the end of the initial period is the option most likely to secure the continued delivery and improvement of these services.

-       During the initial term the Council will retain some control of the services being managed by Learn Sheffield.

-       Expertise from the Council can help shape the service as it evolves, sharing knowledge and best practice.

-       Service performance will be monitored and there will be an annual review between both organisations to manage any issues effectively.

-       E-Learning and the Governance Improvement Service will build on the ethos of School Improvement already being delivered successfully by Learn Sheffield.

-       Learn Sheffield continues to develop and maintain strong relationships with schools in Sheffield, given the Local Authority’s role in education delivery is reducing; this ensures a centralised city approach and builds on the good work already undertaken.

-       The Council is not able to invest further into E-Learning and Governance Improvement Service however Learn Sheffield has identified enhancements that could be made to make both services more competitive in the market and to improve overall delivery.

-       The services will only transfer on a permanent basis if they are successful and if Learn Sheffield actively wants to continue to deliver them.

The alternative options to the proposal above that have been considered are:

No change to the previously approved arrangements - This option is not recommended as it is likely to mean that either Learn Sheffield will feel unable to enter into the concession contract or will enter into the contract but will then be disincentivised from investing in the services leading to minimal growth.

A longer concession period – This option is not recommended as Learn Sheffield have indicated that this would not be of interest to them due to the risk of services not being successful coupled with a longer period of obligation to deliver the services and limited ability to change the specification.