Decision details

Commissioning Adult Learning in Community Settings

Decision Maker: Co-operative Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Purpose:

Lifelong Learning, Skills and Communities receive an annual grant from the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). A proportion of this grant is used to commission adult learning provision from third sector providers to be delivered in their communities.

 

The current sub-contracts with suppliers for the delivery of the service terminate in July 2019.  Therefore a further commission needs to take place to ensure continuity of service from this date.  This will require a procurement to be undertaken in compliance with domestic and EU legislation.

Decision:

10.1

The Executive Director, People Services, submitted a report seeking approval to commission adult learning in community settings.

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet delegates authority to the Executive Director, People Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Director of Legal and Governance, to agree the procurement strategy and thereafter award contracts as required to meet the aims and objectives as set out in the report.

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

10.3.1

The duration of the pseudo-framework is intended to be four academic years from August 2019 to July 2023.

 

 

10.3.2

This option will give Sheffield City Council (SCC) the capacity and capability to meet the community based learning needs of the various localities of the city as established through consultation and research, with maximum flexibility within the parameters of the allocated budget and the funding rules attached to the agreement with the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

 

 

10.3.3

The intended outcomes are as follows and are congruent with the national priorities for Adult Education Budget, those of the Council’s own Corporate Plan and the vision of the Lifelong Learning service,

 

“………..to improve the life chances and opportunities of adults and their families in Sheffield by developing and delivering a high quality learning and support offer that:

      Improves qualifications, skills and employability – providing a skills escalator to move individuals closer to work.

      Addresses the needs and issues of particular groups – providing a vehicle for social inclusion.

      Supports families to learn with their children and for themselves.

      Delivers positive learning, progression and wellbeing outcomes for adult learners and vulnerable learners.

      Enhances health and wellbeing.

      Equips individuals with the skills, knowledge and behaviours  to succeed in life and work

      Contributes to developing strong, cohesive and resilient communities

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

The option of a waiver which would allow an extension of the current framework with existing suppliers was rejected on the grounds that this would place the Council in a position where it would not be compliant with procurement legislation and Contract Standing Orders. Therefore, the commissioning of new arrangements is required.

 

 

10.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

 

 

 

None

 

 

10.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

 

 

 

None

 

 

10.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

 

 

 

Jayne Ludlam, Executive Director, People Services

 

 

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

 

 

 

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

 

Report author: Emma Beal

Publication date: 25/03/2019

Date of decision: 20/03/2019

Decided at meeting: 20/03/2019 - Co-operative Executive

Effective from: 30/03/2019

Accompanying Documents: