URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4802

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content:   12.1 The Committee considered a report of the Assistant Director City Transport which sought approval to commission a new 2-year contract to deliver the ModeshiftSTARS programme in Sheffield, and to continue the current successes and developments achieved under the existing contract.     12.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration & Climate Policy Committee:- (a)  Approves the allocation of revenue of up to £250,000 per annum towards the costs of commissioning an external provider that will supply additional external staff who will support delivery of the ModeshiftSTARS project for the period March 2026 - March 2028; and (b)  Approves the commission of an external service provider to deliver ModeshiftSTARS project for a minimum period of one year with the option to extend for a further one year for estimated costs of £250,000 per annum.         12.3 Reasons for Decision     12.3.1 The recommendation to commission new services for the ModeshiftSTARS programme while an officer decision is made in relation to the extension of the current contract, this avoids disruption to schools currently engaged in Active Travel initiatives while safeguarding progress towards the Council’s Climate Emergency commitments and road safety objectives.     12.3.2 Maintaining the delivery of ModeshiftSTARS supports the Council’s strategic priorities by promoting sustainable travel, reducing carbon emissions, and improving air quality around schools. The short-term extension provides stability during the transition period, ensuring that engagement and behaviour change activities continue without interruption.     12.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     12.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Bringing the School Engagement Team into the Council’s direct employment would negate the need to go out to competitive tender. However, this would generate consultation obligations and organisational staffing implications that require additional time to manage and implement successfully. Further, the current recruitment restrictions prevent this from being a viable option at this time but can be given more detailed and careful consideration in the future.     12.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Do nothing and allow the current contract to end without replacement. This option would result in the termination of the Modeshift STARS programme, which has been highly successful in promoting active travel and improving road safety across schools in the city. The removal of this initiative would have serious negative implications, including: ·       Reduced levels of active travel, leading to increased car use and congestion around schools. ·       Negative impact on health and wellbeing, as children and families lose opportunities for physical activity. ·       Loss of training and educational support for schools, undermining progress on sustainable travel planning. ·       Reputational risk for the Council in failing to deliver on its Climate Emergency commitments and road safety objectives.   Given these impacts, this option is not recommended.          

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025