1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:-

(a) to negotiate a single tender for the extension of the current supported employment contract for people with a learning disability for the period 1 October 2005 - 31 March 2006.

(b) To invite tenders for a supported employment service for people with a learning disability for three years from 1 April 2006.

2 Reason(s)

2.1 The commissioning of Supported Employment Services for people with learning disability is a significant part of the County Council's equal opportunities approach to achieving AIM 1. `Maximising Life Opportunities' by helping people with learning disabilities to find work. Supporting local employers to employ them assists with AIM 3 `Achieving Economic Prosperity'. Focus on quality and cost contributes to AIM 5 ` Improving Services'.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Full evaluation of options undertaken prior to making the recommendations contained in the report.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable

Approved by: Date of decision:

Councillor Felicity Hindson