URL: https://mansfield.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2002

Decision Maker: Chief Executive Officer

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To enter into contract to deliver Multiverse delivered digital, data and AI apprenticeship programme as part of a Nottinghamshire Digital Academy. Multiverse apprenticeships will support workforce capability in digital, data and AI skills. This aligns with existing priorities around productivity, service efficiency, digital transformation and preparation for future operating models.

Content: 1. To enter into a framework contract to deliver digital, data and AI apprenticeship programme as part of a Nottinghamshire Digital Academy in the sum of £133,505.20 with Multiverse; and   2. The Legal Services Manager be authorised to negotiate, finalise and complete all necessary legal agreements and other documents to give effect to the above.     Digital apprenticeships will support workforce capability in digital, data and AI skills. This aligns with existing priorities around productivity, service efficiency, digital transformation and preparation for future operating models. The programmes under consideration are designed for existing staff (a cohort of up to 10 people) and focus on applied learning that delivers tangible improvements to business processes, data use and decision?making. Funding is available via the Apprenticeship Levy. Apprenticeships are delivered via a tech-driven education provider specialising in apprenticeship training in data, AI and digital skills. The provider works with public sector partners to close data skills gaps through apprenticeships which can be funded through the apprenticeship levy. If progressed, the apprenticeships would:   (a)        Build practical digital, data and AI capability; (b)       Reduce reliance on a small specialist team for reporting, automation and analysis; (c)        Release staff time through more efficient processes; and (d)        Create a more confident, digitally enabled, LGR-ready workforce.   Success would be measured through tangible outputs (e.g. improved dashboards, automated processes, service improvements) alongside qualitative improvements in capability and confidence. A number of other local authorities including Ashfield, Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood have already progressed arrangements with the apprenticeship provider on a corporate scale or with focussed cohorts. The council will be working with the proposed provider and these other councils as part of a joint learning programme ‘Notts Digital Academy’.  The ‘Notts Digital Academy’ is a unique way of providing a collaborative approach to deliver an Apprenticeship Programme that meets the needs of each council. The qualification costs c£13,000 per person with capacity to potentially offer up to 10 places during this financial year through the apprenticeship levy. The cost of the apprenticeship programme is shown in the table below based on up to 10 employees: Program Duration Cost Students Total Cost AI Powered Productivity Apprenticeship 14 Months £13,000 5 £65,000 Data & Insights for Business Decisions Apprenticeship 13 Months £13,000 5 £65,000         £130,000.00   There would be a need to upgrade the licences for the 10 apprentices. Anticipated additional costs are as follows which would be met from existing budgets: Software Microsoft SKU Cost per user per month Months Utilised Total Cost M365 Copilot Add-on, Power BI desktop, Power Automate Premium 83I-00001 1O4-00001 £52.08 13 £3,505.20         £3,505.20   In consultation with Audit and Procurement, it is proposed a procurement route is adopted similar to that used in other councils within the Notts Digital Academy in using the YPO framework and a direct award route.       Not to award the contract - This option will inhibit organisational progression with developing its people in technologies that can enable effective efficiency in service delivery. To conduct a full tender process – this option was rejected because a framework would provide a legally compliant and timely option which would also ensure apprenticeships can commence earlier.  

Date of Decision: July 1, 2026