Agenda item

Philip Hamberger, Assistant Director, Commercial and Transactional Services, outlined  a report to update the Committee on the progress made since the last report in June on the procurement and establishment of the Transactional Services Centre in Slough.

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The Committee was reminded that at its meeting on 9^th November, 2010, Cabinet had agreed that Officers be instructed to commence the most appropriate procurement process to engage with suitable service providers to attract a partner to establish a regional Transaction Services Hub in Slough.

At its meeting on 13^th June, 2011, Officers were instructed by Cabinet to continue with the competetive dialogue process for the preparation of the ‘Invitation to Submit a Detailed Solution’ and this had now been completed.

It was noted that the evaluation process had taken longer than originally specified as it had been necessary to clarify technical and financial aspects of the submissions. It was then necessary to revised the timetable to allow the evaluation team to decide which supplier would be shortlisted.

It was noted that the revision to the timetable would not impact on the contract start date and allowed for an efficient handover and transition period.  The invitation to submit a Final Tender was currently being developed and it was noted that the specification would be required to deliver the Council’s required efficiencies of £1.5 m as set out in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.  The Officer concluded that the procurement phase was going well and on line to start the contract in April 2012.

In response to a Member question, the Committee was advised that staff would be transferred to the appointed company through the ‘TUPE’ process unless an individual had opted to go down the expressions of interest route.  The Officer was unable to confirm whether there would be any redundancies imposed but highlighted again the obligation that staff must be transferred under TUPE.  The Committee was advised that it was a condition of the contract that the work/ operation must be based in Slough and not moved to another area without the Council’s consent.

Resolved- That the report be noted and that an update report be provided on 6^th December, 2011.