Decision details

To review the outcome of the initial contract with the Vanguard Consultancy and, due to the success of the programme, propose that an extension of the existing contract be awarded for a further phase of works.

Works on the initial contract with the Vanguard Consultancy are nearing completion. This has focused on detailed interventions into housing repairs; penalty charge notices for car parking; benefits; planning development management; recruitment advertising; housing tenancy services; insurance; environmental health noise control; and strategic housing.

Significant lessons have been learnt from each intervention and new ways of working are being implemented resulting in a more responsive, customer focused approach. Solutions are being tailored to meet the needs of individual customers and meaningful measures are being put in place to enable the effective management of each service.

Although the main purpose of the initial contract was to improve the overall experience of customers when contacting the Council, it has generated unplanned efficiency savings of £381,000 per annum, to date, and more are likely to emerge.

It is proposed to extend the current contract with the Vanguard Consultancy to increase the breadth of services identified above and to undertake new interventions in Streetscene, ICT and our overall approach to purchasing and payments.

From this point forward, the contract extension should be viewed as a “spend to save” initiative. Evidence from the current contract clearly indicates that one off expenditure on the Vanguard Consultancy normally results in a significant level of annual savings which more than justify the initial investment.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)  to waive Contract Procedure Rules in order to extend the existing contract with the Vanguard Consultancy; and

(b)  to fund the extension of the existing contract from the spending reserve surplus to be replenished by subsequent savings from the new interventions.