Lead Member: Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance

Lead Officer: Laura Tyler, Service Director - Commissioning

RESOLVED:

To approve the Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management Strategy (CPCM) in appendix 1;

To delegate authority to the Service Director Commissioning in consultation with the Portfolio holder for Finance to update the strategy annually aligned to any legislation change and best practice.

Cabinet welcomed the Commissioning and Procurement Strategy as an important tool for improving efficiency and outcomes, while recognising that success would depend on effective implementation, strong governance and organisational accountability. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for robust contract management, better use of data and strengthened commercial skills across the Council.

In response to questions, it was confirmed that a number of contracts were due to end within similar timescales, creating pressures which wouldl be addressed through improved forward planning and consideration of longer-term contracts where appropriate. It was also confirmed that decisions on whether services were delivered in-house or externally will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Strengthened arrangements were outlined, including central procurement oversight, enhanced scrutiny at the commissioning stage, improved governance, new contract monitoring systems and greater engagement with local providers. Members noted that work was underway to improve consistency in contract management and embed training across the organisation as part of a longer-term programme of improvement.

RESOLVED:

To approve the Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management Strategy (CPCM) in appendix 1;

To delegate authority to the Service Director Commissioning in consultation with the Portfolio holder for Finance to update the strategy annually aligned to any legislation change and best practice.