Agenda and draft minutes

To consider the admission of any items of urgent business.  

There were  no items of urgent business.

(Report of the Deputy Chief Executive). The report seeks approval to sign up to the Select List of Independent Fostering Agencies.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Cabinet Member for Children considered a report, previously circulated, which sought approval for the Council to sign up to the Independent Fostering Agency Select List Agreement procured by Enfield Council.

RESOLVED:

      i.        That approval be given to Haringey Council signing up to the Independent Fostering Agency Select List Agreement procured by Enfield Council. (The Select List Agreement (i.e. approved list) has been set up so that it is accessible to members of both East London Solutions and the North London Strategic Alliance (NLSA) Children’s Efficiency Programme. Haringey Council is a member of the NLSA Children’s Efficiency Programme).

    ii.        That approval be given to Haringey Council signing an access agreement with Enfield Council.

Alternative options considered

An alternative option would be to continue with the Pan London framework; however, this is not recommended as the framework is not currently meeting the complex needs of the Local Authorities that are taking part in the procurement.

In order to maximise the Council’s available resources, carrying out a procurement process for Haringey only services was not recommended because it will require intensive resources (time, money and people) for undertaking the tendering exercise and monitoring of the Independent Fostering Agencies.

The outcome of the joint procurement will be to maximise choice while controlling cost and maintaining a high standard of quality, including a better ability to meet out of borough placements.

Reasons for decision

Haringey Council currently procures its foster requirements through its Framework Agreement and Pan London Care Services Framework Agreement.  The aim of this procurement is to put in place a more flexible delivery model that takes account of the views of all stakeholders and lessons learned from previous fostering related procurements (including the Pan London Framework Agreement).

Participation in the Select List Agreement will encourage providers to recruit carers in areas with the highest demand both geographically and in terms of service requirement. Management information will be collected to feedback to providers exactly the number of referrals, the service type required and the geographical areas of highest demand.

Collaborative working to monitor providers will result in more efficient use of staff resources.  In 2012/13 Haringey have used approximately 40 separate Independent Fostering Agencies and will therefore have had responsibility for managing the relationship and ensuring quality of service. Under the Select List Agreement it is anticipated that haringey will be responsible for between 5-8 providers.

The new Select List will increase supply in traditionally hard to place categories, enabling us to better match foster carers to the needs of our children and young people, improve quality and reduce the cost of placing young people in care.

To consider any new items of urgent business admitted under Item 1 above.

There were no new items of urgent business.