Decision details

To seek approval from the Director of Adult Services to novate the current Framework Agreement and the relevant call-off contract for the provision of home care and supported living services with Sheffield City Council from Ark Home Healthcare Limited (“Ark”) to Care Line Homecare Limited (“Care Line”).

That the Director approves that:-

(i) the Home Care Contract (as defined in paragraph 1.1)  shall be transferred from Ark to Care Line; and

(ii) such novation shall be deemed to have come into effect from effect from 19 February 2018 (00:01am).

The proposal ensures that continuity of service is maintained for the vulnerable individuals in receipt of home care services from Ark. 

There is no realistic alternative to the proposal as there is insufficient capacity within the home care market for another provider(s), either from the independent sector or the Council's in-house service, to take on Ark's service users.

Furthermore, according to the assessment and due diligence exercise carried out by the Council, it is reasonable to anticipate that the new provider will make a positive contribution to the home care market in Sheffield.  Care Line has a number of other branches, mostly in the North-East of England. All have been rated as ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

An alternative option is to re-advertise the home care services and go through the standard tendering process to find another suitable new provider for the provision of home care and supported living services.  However, this option is not recommended as: 

•           A re-tendering process is not an effective use of resources as it is understood that there is insufficient capacity within the home care market for another provider(s), either from the independent sector or the Council's in-house service, to take on Ark's service users; and that there is a new and qualified service provider available to replace Ark to continue providing the home care services under the Home Care Contract.

•           The takeover of Ark by Care Line must be completed by 4th June.  There is insufficient time to run a tender within such short timeframe.

•           If the novation does not go ahead, approximately 240 vulnerable individual will be at risk of being left without a provider for the provision of home care and supported living services.