northlincs.gov.uk

Policy & Resources Cabinet Member – Minutes – 14 August 2014

The protocol for managing consultancy was introduced as part of a package of cost management measures in 2011. The protocol required services to report their use of consultants on a quarterly basis. This reporting requirement was formally adopted as part of the council’s updated contract procedure rules in May 2012. 

It was widely recognised that the provision of specialist expert advice was essential for the successful delivery of major projects. Value for money was obtained where complex and potentially high-cost technical, contractual and commercial risks were managed effectively

For the purpose of this report the term “consultancy” was used to describe the procurement of highly specialised subject matter expertise which the council did not possess in-house or where an independent opinion was required. Examples included specialist environmental surveys, technical analysis and advice on essential legal requirements such as Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulation compliance.  

Resolved – That the findings set out in the report for Quarter 42013/14 be noted.

146      (20)  CONSULTANCY USAGE – QUARTER 1 2014/2015 – The Director of Policy and Resources submitted a report to advise on the consultancy usage for the first quarter of 2014/2015, to highlight the consultancy usage to support major projects within North Lincolnshire and to advise on the overall effectiveness.

The protocol for managing consultancy was introduced as part of a package of cost management measures in 2011. The protocol required services to report their use of consultants on a quarterly basis. This reporting requirement was formally adopted as part of the council’s updated contract procedure rules in May 2012. 

It was widely recognised that the provision of specialist expert advice was essential for the successful delivery of major projects and effective management of potentially high cost risk exposure. Examples of major council projects requiring specialist advice included:

–               Building Schools for the Future

–               University Technical College (UTC)

–               Waste Treatment

–               Capital Programme

For the purpose of this report the term “consultancy” was used to describe the procurement of highly specialised subject matter expertise which the council did not possess in-house or where an independent opinion was required. Examples included specialist environmental surveys, technical analysis and advice on essential legal requirements such as Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulation compliance.

Resolved – That the findings set out in the report for Quarter 12014/15 be noted.

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