To receive a presentation of the Contracts Director.

The Committee received a presentation of the Contracts Director, providing Members with an update on the progress of the One Trafford Partnership. Mark Pickering, the Principal Operations Manager for Local Government at Amey was in attendance to answer Members’ questions. The presentation provided an overview of the Partnership’s achievements so far, as well as detailing current performance against the set KPIs. Members were advised of the governance structure along with the Partnership’s intended next steps.

Members asked for further information on the status of the 350 staff transferred to Amey at the commencement of the Partnership. The Contracts Director confirmed that the vast majority were still in post, but the future was dependant on the budget. Responses to the recently completed staff survey would be shared with Members. Other discussions centred around leaf clearance within the Borough, as well as some recent communication issues experienced by Members. The Chairman advised that his personal experiences in dealing with Amey had been very positive, and thanked them for their excellent work dealing with flooding in the Davyhulme area. 

The Principal Operations Manager and the Contracts Director advised written responses would be provided for the questions which required further investigation.

The Committee thanked the Contracts Director for the presentation and requested a further update be provided to the Committee in six months, focusing on Lot 3: Technical Services.

RESOLVED:

(i)            That the presentation be noted.

(ii)          That a further update be provided at the September 2016 meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, focusing on Lot 3: Technical Services.

To receive an update from the Contracts Director.

The Committee received a presentation of the Contracts Director detailing the progress made on the Joint Venture Contracts to date, and what could be expected over the coming months.

The presentation reminded Members of the services in scope, the bidding process and the desired outcomes of the Joint Venture. It was confirmed that the contract for all lots was awarded to Amey, and this would officially commence on 4 July 2015 with a 100 day transition period. The Contracts Director detailed how staff would receive information about the transition, as well as explaining the governance requirements, confirming the Council will retain responsibility for strategy and policy. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were explained, as well as the provider’s responsibility to engage with stakeholders and provide social value.

The Contracts Director answered several questions regarding the length of the contract, the 20 percent savings target and staffing. Members were pleased that no permanent staff members had lost their position with the awarding of the contract, having been TUPEd over to Amey. It was confirmed that communications would be distributed to Members before 3 July to explain how they can contact Amey to discuss issues in their wards. Other topics discussed included the Council’s ability to step in if there were provider failures, and contingency plans.

Members requested a further update on the Joint Venture Contracts at the meeting on 27 January, 2016. The Contracts Director hoped to bring representatives from Amey to the meeting to enable Members to ask questions.

RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted, and that the Committee receive a further progress update on the Joint Venture Contracts at the meeting on 27 January, 2016.