URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6062

Decision Maker: Director of Public Health

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Public Health has decided to approve the variation of the contract with Involve Northwest Community Connector Service for the period 1 September 2025 to 30 August 2028 at a total cost of £204,000 to provide support for people who may be digitally excluded and require additional help and equipment with accessing online support and help including benefit applications. The funding will also support the development of Wirral Infobank including training for frontline professionals, awareness raising of the platform and facilitation of a service user group to ensure the platform is accessible and available to local communities. Digital exclusion impacts health by limiting access to online GP services, prescriptions, and mental health support. It increases isolation, worsening mental health and wellbeing. Those without digital skills or access face barriers to employment, financial services, and social connection, all key determinants of health. Investing in digital inclusion reduces health inequalities, improves self-care, and enhances overall wellbeing. This community-led digital inclusion initiative will bridge the digital divide by providing the access, skills training, and support to vulnerable groups in Wirral. This proposal will also strengthen the Wirral Infobank team with additional resources, to develop accessibility features such as language translation software, multi-language support and data analytics to ensure Wirral Info Bank remains responsive to evolving community needs.  A range of options were considered as part of the Public Health grant review processes relating to contract length and contract value, options have been considered and discounted. Discussions have taken place with colleagues from Legal Services, Procurement, and the Public Health team and it was agreed that a contract variation to Involve Northwest Community Connector Service was the best option, given the need to provide for continuity of this service and given they already support the collation of information to support Wirral Info Bank.

Date of Decision: August 14, 2025