Agenda item

To consider a report by the Director of Public Health

The Board was being asked to assess the arrangements for a range of LiveWell Dorset IT and digital service contracts which were due to expire on 31 March2021. These included:-

·       provision of IT equipment, infrastructure and support

·       LiveWell Dorset digital platform

·       LiveWell Dorset Customer Relationship Management system.

A comprehensive options appraisal process was underway to select the most appropriate sourcing model for the services in scope, including in-sourcing and commissioning options. A shortlisting process had been completed based on viability, timescales and business needs. Options involving the in-sourcing of the digital platform and CRM aspects had not been shortlisted due to an inability to meet the gateway criteria. As such, a procurement exercise was likely to be required for these services, whilst it remained feasible to consider Dorset Council IT services to provide equipment, infrastructure and support.

The options appraisal process was shown in detail, including an Appendix which highlights the longlist, shortlisting process and shortlisted options. Once a preferred option had been selected based on this process, a more detailed sourcing plan, including precise budget, would be developed. The Board was being asked to approve the progression of this preferred option based on the information in the report.

Given that it was not possible to shortlist any options that involve the in-sourcing of the digital platform and CRM. Given what was necessary to be able to deliver this, a procurement exercise for these aspects was expected, to determined whether the IT infrastructure could be in-sourced or had to be commissioned. The precise budget and procurement model will be defined based on the chosen option, further market engagement and other strategic factors. With the approval mechanisms within Public Health Dorset for doing this explained For now, approval was being sought from the Board to progress with the preferred option, including any procurement activity this might require, once the necessary approvals had been made. An update on the chosen option would be provided at the November Joint Public Health Board meeting.

The Director of Public Health considered there to be a need for continuity in this initiative so that the good work achieved continued to be maintained and it was necessary to do this now to ensure this was the case.

Members understood the reasons for this and appreciated what LiveWell had achieved so far and wanted to see this being maintained, and enhanced, where practicable. Given this, they wholeheartedly endorsed what was being proposed as it was appropriate and acceptable in the circumstances.

Resolved

1)That having been reviewed, the sourcing plan outlined in the background paper, noting the strategic context, objectives and shortlisting of options be approved.

2)That Delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders, to award any contracts required by the sourcing plan to appropriate providers on the best terms achievable and within the budget.

Reason for Decision

The LiveWell Dorset IT and digital service contracts are due to terminate on 31st March 2021. An options appraisal is underway to consider how services will be sourced and delivered from April 2021. The recommendation will enable Public Health Dorset to implement the preferred sourcing option, providing enough time to source, procure and mobilise new arrangements.