Contact: Jon Pittam ([email protected]) 01962 847400, ext 200 7400

Jeff Pattison ([email protected]) 09162 847321, ext 200 7321

Jos Creese ([email protected]) 01962 847436, ext 200 7436

1 Summary

1.1 The purpose of this report is to determine the appointment of four external consultants to support the second phase of the implementation of the contact centre programme, Hantsdirect.

1.2 It is recommended that approval is given to:

(a) That candidates (i), (v) (ix) (xiii) be appointed for a period of up to six months until July 2008, based on the procurement and market testing approach set out in this report with the recommendations of the selection process being put forward for consideration at the meeting.

(b) Implement the handover plan to internal resources by July 2008, and earlier if possible.

(c) Note that the procedure adopted is in full compliance with European Union and County Council contract procurement rules.

(d) Note that the District Auditor has endorsed the procedure adopted, as at Appendix B.

2 Reason

2.1 The contracts for the existing external consultants run out at the end of January 2008, and a new procurement and market testing process has been undertaken to recommend the appointment of consultants to complete phase two of the implementation by the end of July 2008.

2.2 The contact centre will act as first point of contact for all services and fully supports the corporate strategy by maximising well being. It also actions the corporate management plan, in particular, improving value for money and capacity to provide better services.

3 Other options considered and rejected:

3.1 The existing consultant appointments could not be extended without further market testing, and consultants are required to bring external expertise and experience to the contact centre programme in order to complete phase two of the project.

3.2 It is planned to transfer skills and complete the programme with internal staff, but this is not possible straight away without causing potential delays or increasing the risks of achieving a successful implementation.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - none

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - none

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - none

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T K Thornber CBE

Executive Member for Policy and Resources Date: 28 January 2008