Decision details

Outline our proposed arrangements to meet our statutory duty to deliver HealthWatch in Bath and North East Somerset 2012 - 2015

(1) To NOTE the Council’ legal obligation as stated in the Local Government and Public Involvement in health Act 2007 to promote a smooth transition from LINk to HealthWatch;

(2) To EXTEND the contract of Scout Enterprises Ltd until 30 June 2012, on their current terms and conditions;

(3) To AGREE the procurement of a HealthWatch provider from 1 July 2012, who will act as LINk Host organisation from 1 July 2012 – 30 September 2012; and

(4) To DELEGATE to the Divisional Director (Policy and Partnerships) the authority to award the contract.

The Council has a statutory duty to continue the provision of a Host organisation service to the LINk until it is replaced by HealthWatch on 1 October 2012. Since the contract with the current provider will expire on 31 March 2012, we are examining ways in which we can continue to carry out our statutory responsibility from 1 April 2012 – 30 September 2012.

(1) Doing nothing, i.e. not providing Host services to the LINk. This would mean not fulfilling our statutory obligations, and is therefore not a viable option.

(2) Providing a Host service in-house. Under the existing legislation this is not permissible, and is therefore not a viable option.

(3) Commissioning an alternative provider for the period. As there would be both procurement and TUPE (Transfer of Employment (Protection of Undertakings)) issues involved, it is considered that this option would be disproportionately time-consuming.

(4) Extending the current Host organisation’s contract for the period 1 April – 30 September 2012. Whilst this is the simplest solution, it would mean that there would be no time for a handover from the LINk Host to the HealthWatch provider. In addition, if a HealthWatch provider were procured before 1 October, we would be paying for both the HealthWatch provider and the LINk Host organisation.

(5) Extending the current Host organisation’s contract from 1 April 2012 – 30 June 2012, whilst commissioning a HealthWatch provider to start on 1 July 2012; they will act as LINk Host from 1 July – 30 September 2012. This will give sufficient time for a handover, and will optimise the available financial resources for this period. This is our preferred option.