URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1122

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The current commissioning arrangements for Family Hubs (previously children’s centres) end on 31 March 2026, cabinet approval would enable the recommissioning process to be completed during 2025 so that the successful bidder is in place for 1 April 2026.

Content: Resolved:-   (1)  that delegated authority is given to the Executive Director of Children and Education Services in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Transformation and the Monitoring Officer, Service Director of Governance be to award of new contracts for the provision of Family Hub Services for a period of 3 years from 1 April 2026 (with the option to extend for 2 years);   (2)  that delegated authority is given to the Monitoring Officer, Service Director of Governance to enter into or execute, under seal if necessary, any related documentation in connection with the land and property as part of the Family Hub service on terms and conditions agreed by the Executive Director of Children’s Services;   (3)  that approval is given for variations to the Contract up to a value of £400k per annum, should they be necessitated, for the delivery of additional activity funded via the Best Start Family Hubs grant and that authority to approve such Variations be delegated to the appropriate Chief Officer in consultation with the relevant Cabinet member;   (4)  that approval is given for variations to the Contract up to a value of £100k per annum, should they be necessitated, for the delivery of additional preventative activity funded via the social care prevention grant and that authority to approve such Variations be delegated to the appropriate Chief Officer in consultation with the relevant Cabinet member; and   (5)  that approval is given for an exemption be authorised under rule 8.10 of the Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules 2024 to allow a contract to be awarded to the successful tenderer if the required number of tenders are not received as we will be advertising widely to the market and it is reasonable to assume all interested parties will have the opportunity to bid.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025