Agenda item

10.1

This report sets out the importance of the Social Care Case Management System and seeks approval to Commission a Social Care System in order to ensure service continuity.

This report also sets out the estimated costs of the system over the maximum contract period.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee approves the commission of a Social Care Case Management System from an external provider for a period of up to 8 years and estimated value of £3.1 million.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

This commissioning decision will enable the Council to commence Commercial activity for a new contract commencing from 5th May 2024 for a maximum duration of 8 years.

10.3.2

This commission will also ensure:

·       The continuance of a software solution to manage the Council’s key Line of Business System for Social Care.

·       The Council meets its statutory duties.

·       Back-office functions can continue.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Do nothing. The Council requires a Case Management System for Social Care to deliver statutory services. Do nothing means that the current contract ends on 4th May 2024 and there will be no software provision. This is not a viable option – the council must have a system in place to execute its duties.

10.4.2

Develop our own system. This would be a significant undertaking, requiring skills and resources that the Council does not have. Those resources would have to be retained for future updates and functional changes as statutory requirements and business needs changed. The Council would also have to consider storage and retention of data. Security and role-based access would need to be managed.

10.4.3

Further extend existing contracts. This is not an option as all available contract extensions have been utilised.