Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of People.

The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of People (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the procurement of a new software support and maintenance contract in respect of the product known as ‘Liquidlogic Early Years and Education System (EYES)’ at an additional cost of £467,000 over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.

The submitted report stated that it had been identified that the current IT provision for Education systems did not enable a transformative approach to directorate wide work to secure the best outcomes for families in Darlington; a business case had considered a number of options for the purchase of a new IT system which would offer full integration of records across the People directorate; and outlined the preferred option.

Particular references were made to the procurement process; financial implications of the project; and equalities considerations.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the review of the software requirements in Education Services as detailed in the submitted report, be noted, and the procurement of a new software and maintenance contract for Early Years and Education staff that facilitated greater integrated working across the People Directorate, also as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

(b)  That the assessment of the procurement, as set out in Appendix C to the submitted report, be noted, and the procurement be designated as non-strategic procurement.

(c)  That the award of the contract, be delegated to the Group Director of People in accordance with the Contract Procedure Rules.

REASONS – (a)  To facilitate the full integration of records across the People directorate.

(b)  To better enable Education Services to support the Council to fulfil its statutory duties.

(c)  To comply with the Contract Procedure Rules.