Agenda item

(a)  That a maximum if a two-year contract award from 1 July 2024 to an eligible provider of Specialist Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) service provision as an interim continuation of joint commissioning arrangements across Berkshire East be approved.

(b)  Delegate authority to the Executive Director People - Adults in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Commercial and the Lead Member for Social Care and Public Health, to sign all related legal and contractual documentation to enter into the interim contractual arrangement referred to at (a) above.

(c)  Agreed that Slough Borough Council in consultation with Bracknell Forest Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, commence procurement for future sexual and reproductive health services that better meet the future needs of local communities.

Further to the report to Cabinet in April 2023, Lead Members considered an update report on the re-procurement of the Berkshire East Specialist Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Service.  These services aimed to reduce harm caused by sexually transmitted infections and HIV and provided access to contraceptive advice and services.

It was noted that due to a number of commercial and market issues identified during the market engagement activity since April 2023, the joint commissioning authorities recommended entering into a short term contract of two years to enable the development of a longer term procurement strategy for a redesigned service.  The reasons were summarised and set out fully in the exempt appendices which were noted.  The proposal would continue the existing joint commissioning arrangements across East Berkshire for two years from July 2024.

After due consideration the recommendations were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That a maximum if a two-year contract award from 1 July 2024 to an eligible provider of Specialist Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) service provision as an interim continuation of joint commissioning arrangements across Berkshire East be approved.

(b)  Delegate authority to the Executive Director People - Adults in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Commercial and the Lead Member for Social Care and Public Health, to sign all related legal and contractual documentation to enter into the interim contractual arrangement referred to at (a) above.

(c)  Agreed that Slough Borough Council in consultation with Bracknell Forest Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, commence procurement for future sexual and reproductive health services that better meet the future needs of local communities.