URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1555

Decision Maker: Leader – Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Approval for the award of contract for telephony services.

Content: That the award of contract to the successful supplier, as set out in Confidential Appendix A to this decision record, for the replacement of telephony and contact centre platforms be approved for a period of 3 years with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years. As set out in the Individual Cabinet Member (ICM) Decision report. Do nothing, not recommended: retain the existing arrangements. This would expose the Council to ongoing operational, resilience and support risks.    Alternative procurement routes: alternative procurement approaches were considered, including other compliant framework routes and a stand-alone open procurement process. These were not preferred, as the selected CCS framework provided a compliant, efficient, and proportionate route to market for this requirement.    Award the contract to the successful supplier, recommended: this option provides the best overall balance of quality, service resilience and value for money, based on the evaluation outcome set out in Appendix A (Part 2).

Date of Decision: March 31, 2026