Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am seeking information on the council’s use of the RM6281 Workforce Alliance framework, specifically about Lot 4 (Social Services). Please respond to the following questions:
1. Framework Usage Confirmation: Does the council use the RM6281 framework or Total Workforce Solutions HTE specifically for social services needs under Lot 4?
2. Current Approved Suppliers (Lot 4 – Social Services): How many suppliers are currently approved to supply social services under Lot 4 in the RM6281 framework as of 30th October 2024?
3. Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for Social Services: Could you provide the names of all agencies on the council’s Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for Lot 4 under RM6281, along with the respective tiers or rankings assigned to each?
4. Onboarding Process for Suppliers:
a) What is the process for new suppliers to join the council’s PSL under Lot 4 of RM6281?
b) Are there specific criteria or requirements that agencies must meet to be approved for social services provision?
5. Contact Information for Onboarding: Please provide the name, role, and contact details (email and postal address) of the individual responsible for onboarding or coordinating new suppliers under Lot 4 (Social Services) of RM6281.
6. Areas of Demand and Unmet Demand:
a) What specific areas of social services (within Lot 4) does the council currently have high demand or unmet demand?
b) Are there specific roles or services within Lot 4 that the council urgently needs to fill?
7. Turnaround Time for Supplier Sign-Up:
a) What is the expected turnaround time from initial contact to full onboarding for new suppliers under Lot 4 (Social Services)?
b) How quickly could an approved framework supplier begin providing services if they meet the necessary criteria?
8. Framework Adherence and Compliance:
a) Has the council fully transitioned to using RM6281 for all social services staffing needs?
b) Can the council confirm adherence to the guidance provided in Framework Schedule 7 for selecting and managing suppliers?
9. Supplier Selection Process:
a) Does the council use Direct Award or Further Competition to select suppliers for Lot 4 social services?
b) What specific criteria are used to assess and select suppliers, and is the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle applied?
10. Audit Trail for Contract Awards:
a) Could you provide documentation or an outline of the audit trail for how contract awards are made under RM6281 for Lot 4 (Social Services)?
b) This should align with the RM6281 Framework Schedule 7, emphasizing transparency, fair selection, and a documented process for contract awards.
11. Neutral or Master Vendor Information (if applicable): If the council outsources to a neutral or master vendor for social services, please provide the vendor’s name, contact person, email, and office address.
12. Clarification on FOI Response: We have reviewed the council’s FOI resources but could not locate this information. If any part of these questions is unclear or incomplete, we kindly request a full response or guidance on where to find the relevant information.
For questions 1 to 12, Devon County Council does not hold this information as there has not been any use of the Framework (RM6281 Workforce Alliance framework).