Issue - meetings

To consider the renewal of the contract for provision of Temporary Resources within WCC.

Portfolio Holder – Councillor Jenns 

Councillor Jenns outlined the report seeking approval to procure contracts for Temporary Resources (Agency and Interim Staff) Services.  He explained that the authorisation would cover the recruitment of temporary resources across all council services as it was often necessary to use temporary staff to support the permanent work force.  Councillor Jenns advised that most temporary staff were supplied under the current corporate contract with Pertemps, however, this contract was due to end in November 2023.  Members were advised that due to the value of the contract, Cabinet approval was necessary.

Councillor Jenns referred to the detailed options appraisal undertaken which had concluded that the Council’s requirement would be most effectively achieved with a refreshed, bespoke process, with a maximum term of seven years on the Council’s terms and conditions.

The report outlined the financial implications, including the current annual Council spend of £11.2m per year through the existing contract, which was inclusive of salaries, pensions, national insurance contributions and agency fees.  It was estimated that the new contract value would be set at £110m over the seven year term.

Councillor Butlin highlighted that the Council would not be under any obligation to guarantee volume commitments or pay fixed fees.  In addition, external use of the DPS would allow greater accessibility, allowing the Council to look for more specialist roles and potentially raise revenue for other public service bodies.

Councillor Butlin recognised the additional flexibility this would offer to the authority.

Councillor Jenns, therefore, proposed the recommendations as laid out.

Resolved:

That Cabinet

1)     authorises the Strategic Director for Resources in consultation with the Portfolio

Holder to commence a procurement for recruiting agency and interim staff

(‘temporary resources’) for all Council services as set out in this report: and

authorises the Strategic Director for Resources to enter into all relevant contracts for the provision of temporary resources on terms and conditions acceptable to him.