Decision details

Having agreed to note the confidential appendices to the officer report it was

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the commencement of the procurement of a provider for Translation and Interpreting Services be approved noting that the contract(s) would be awarded for a 3- year term from 1April 2024 to 31 March 2027 with the option to extend for a further 2 years up to 31 March 2029;

(2)            the tender documents be approved;

(3)            the Corporate Director of People Services be authorised, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, to make any changes required to the tender documents following approval;

(4)            the Corporate Director of People Services be authorised, following consultation with the Interim Director of Finance and Assurance, the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Human Resources, to award the contract.

Reason for Decision:

1.              To enable the Local Authority to fulfil its statutory duties to provide an Interpretation and Translation service which met the Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity, enabling access to information and services for those who:

·       Did not speak English;

·       Did not speak English and were known to social care and or early support services

·       were Blind or had a visual impairment; and

·       were Deaf or had a hearing impairment

2.              The existing translation and interpreting services contract with DA Languages would cease on 31 March 2024.  This procurement focused upon securing new contractual arrangements for face to face, telephone, video remote and document interpreting and translation services.