Lack of provider engagement ‘led to collapse of regional procurement framework’

10 July 2023 2 mins read Fiona Simpson Social Care Care Review

The collapse of a regional procurement framework for children’s residential care, involving seven North East local authorities, was driven by private providers “not engaging” with such schemes, the president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has said.

John Pearce is director of children's services at Durham County Council. Picture: ADCS

Speaking to CYP Now, John Pearce, who is director of children’s social care at Durham County Council, which is involved in the framework, said: “This type of system isn’t working anymore because providers won’t engage.

“Without looking at ways to remove control of the so-called market from these providers, these frameworks won’t do a great deal to help local authorities because providers don't want to engage with groups of councils when they are already in control."

The NE12 education, health, and care (EHC) framework was set up by procurement solutions organisation NEPO in 2016, to increase regional access to placements in residential children’s homes, special schools and colleges and short breaks services. It is led by Newcastle City Council.

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