URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7914

Decision Maker: Assistant Executive Director Public Health (Sarah McNulty)

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 6.5.2 (iv) (Schedule 1), for the award of contract to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix A for the Knowsley Networkers Service from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 6 and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.

Content: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 6.5.2 (iv) (Schedule 1), for the award of contract to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix A for the Knowsley Networkers Service from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 6 and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council. (i)             That, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule Schedule 6.5.2 (iv) (Schedule 1),a contract be awarded to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix A for the Knowsley Networkers Service from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months.   (ii)       That the Procurement Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation. Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected as this would destabilise the existing social prescribing offer in Knowsley and have a negative impact on existing and future service users.   Deliver In House: The option to deliver in house was rejected because this type of service is to be ideally delivered by a third sector organisation that can deliver low level social prescribing support face-to-face to residents in the community e.g. shopping and befriending activities. This type of service is not deemed appropriate to be delivered by or a good use of the Councils stretched resources, e.g. skills and capacity.

Date of Decision: December 15, 2025