URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1553

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To enable an effective and safe transition over to South Essex Homes (SEH), the commissioning team are requesting that the start of the contractual arrangements with SEH is deferred until 1st July 2026, and are requesting a further extension of the SMDS contract for 3-months until 30th June 2026.

Content: 1. A review of the transition planning process with the SMDS / IHS provider has highlighted some significant risks in terms of the timescales relating to staff notice, consultation requirements and tenancy agreements for the current tenants. Current staff require at a minimum 3-months’ notice, and residents 2 months.   2. In addition, although the specification is complete, the process to move the service in-house involves a level of work with SEH to establish how they will deliver against the specification and to outline this in the partnership agreement held between the Council and SEH. It is pertinent that this is done in collaboration with the incumbent providers to ensure a robust transition of the services, which in turn has meant that the original timeframes predicted for a tender process are not sufficient to deliver the mobilisation effectively in transferring the service over to SEH. 1. Do nothing/ Transition the service over before 1st April 2026 this option is not recommended. Transitioning the service over before negotiations are complete poses a great risk to staff stability and retention, as well as existing tenants. The residents supported by the incumbent provider have a high level of need, and multiple vulnerabilities, so ensuring the service transition is managed robustly, and in collaboration with the incumbent provider, is key.   2. Implement the full 12 month extension of the SMDS contract - this option is not recommended. Extensive work has been undertaken to review the existing model and agree upon the preferred commissioning option. Extending for another year would just further delay the transition and would mean the delivery of this contract would not be in alignment with the wider transition of the transitional supported housing contract over to SEH.

Date of Decision: March 19, 2026