Appendix A is an exempt document.

Ben Plant, the Director of Human Resources presented this report to Cabinet.  This report asks Cabinet to approve a contract award for the supply of temporary workers to Matrix via the ESPO Mstar3 London Collaboration call-off. It is also recommended that the Council’s contract with Adecco, the incumbent supplier, is extended by a period of six months.

These recommendations were made to Cabinet following an extensive exercise to evaluate the different options available to the Council for sourcing temporary workers. Of all the options considered, a contract award to Matrix via the London Collaboration call-off delivers the greatest financial benefit, estimated at £180k – £350k per annum. In addition, the Matrix model includes the introduction of an innovative technology platform which, over time, will reduce the Council’s spend on agencies by directly connecting hiring managers and temporary workers.

Transitioning to a new supplier and delivery model requires careful planning and change management, and a rushed implementation of the new contract would carry significant risks. A substantial implementation period was factored into the original procurement timetable, but that plan was unexpectedly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, a six month extension of the Council’s contract with Adecco is recommended. This will ensure a transition to the new provider and delivery model can be effectively managed alongside the Council’s Covid-19 response, which continues to place exceptional demands on the Council and its workforce.

The Leader invited all Directors to comment on how this contract will impact on their services and staffing levels.  Providing services to residents was always the uppermost priority and the transition to permanent staff was always the goal.  However, temporary staff were necessary to put residents and the services they receive at the heart of everything we do.

Following discussion:

Cabinet:

1.          Approved a contract award for the supply of temporary workers to Matrix via the ESPO Mstar3 London Collaboration call-off for a duration of two years with the option to extend for a further two years

2.          Extended the Council’s existing contract with Adecco, the incumbent supplier, by a period of six months