Decision details
Authority to Participate in the Joint Procurement of Solicitor Services (Recordable Officer Decision)
Decision Maker: Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
This decision seeks approval to participate in a collaborative procurement with the London Borough Legal Alliance for the establishment of a framework for provision of solicitors’ services.
Decision:
(1) To approve participation in a collaborative procurement led by Westminster City Council on behalf of the London Borough Legal Alliance for the establishment of a framework for provision of solicitors’ services.
(2) To note that the Director of Finance has agreed to waive the normal requirements of Contract Standing Orders and Financial Regulations in accordance with Contract Standing Order 85(c) of Part 2 of the Constitution.
(3) To agree that Westminster City Council determines pre-tender considerations following consultation with the London Borough Legal Alliance and thereafter procures the solicitors’ framework in accordance with the requirements of its own Contract Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
Reasons for the decision:
The council requires the provision of external solicitors’ services on occasion. It has been determined that the most appropriate and cost effective means of procuring these services is through the procurement of a framework for solicitors’ services, procured in collaboration with the other authorities that are members of the London Boroughs Legal Alliance.
Alternative options considered:
Officers have reviewed a range of procurement options including the use of frameworks but consider that a collaborative procurement with the other authorities that are members of the London Boroughs Legal Alliance will provide the most appropriate means of procuring a contractor.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None.
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Cabinet/Committee Decision or Scheme of Delegation: Officer Scheme of Delegation (Part 3 of Constitution)
Parties Consulted: Because of the nature of the proposed procurement, no additional consultation has been undertaken.
Member/s' declarations of interest /: None
Contact: Debra Norman, Corporate Director Governance Email: debra.norman@brent.gov.uk Tel: 020 8937 1578.
Publication date: 15/04/2021
Date of decision: 14/04/2021