Agenda item

This report seeks approval for participation in a collaborative procurement with two other councils in respect of a new Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health services contract as an open-access service that addresses rising demand, responding to local and regional sexual health needs.

On the basis of the amendment to the recommendations identified at the meeting, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the deletion of recommendation 2.1 within the report.

(2)       To approve the Council’s participation in a collaborative procurement with Ealing and Harrow Council’s.

(3)       On the basis of the legal considerations within the report, to approve an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders 84(a) to enable Ealing Council act as the lead authority in the collaborative procurement detailed in (2) above for the reasons detailed in section 3 of the report and accordingly that the collaborative procurement is undertaken in accordance with its Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure, to agree the award of contract on completion of the procurement process for a period of 5 years with an option to extend for a further 4 years to (a total of 9 years) to London North West University Healthcare Trust (LNWHT).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Nerva (as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Service Reform & Strategy seeking approval for participation in a collaborative procurement with two other councils in respect of a new Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health services contract.

In presenting the report, Councillor Nerva began by reminding members of the critical role the provision of sexual health services played in relation to the Council’s public health responsibilities with continuation of the collaborative approach towards the procurement arrangements with Ealing and Harrow for Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health services designed to further enhance service integration across borough boundaries, enabling the seamless sharing of best practice and resources and ensure residents retained access to high-quality and confidential sexual healthcare.

In commending the approach outlined within the report, members were advised that Brent, Ealing, and Harrow Councils had jointly commissioned sexual health services through the Outer Northwest London (ONWL) Sexual Health Programme since 2015. During this period, service performance had met or exceeded London averages for testing coverage, chlamydia detection, and HIV treatment outcomes with the services recognised as demonstrating consistent and robust HIV care with 99% ART coverage and 96.9% viral suppression rates, highlighting the vital protection offered through the programme to residents across Brent.  In support of the proposal, reference was also made to the continued high utilisation of contraceptive clinics, with more than 10,400 residents having attended since April 2025, alongside Brent’s lower-than-London-average STI positivity rates, which it was pointed out also represented an example of the effective prevention and community engagement activity being delivered by the service.

In considering the report, members noted the amendment identified in relation to recommendation 2.1 which they were advised would not be required on the basis that approval was being sought for participation in a collaborative procurement arrangement rather than direct award of the contract, as also clarified within the legal considerations detailed within section 7 of the report.

In recognising the way in which the proposals had been designed to ensure Brent was able to continue meeting its public health obligations efficiently whilst maintaining service continuity, delivering value for money and supporting a responsive model aligned with public health priorities and community needs, Cabinet RESOLVED on the basis of the amendment to the recommendations identified at the meeting:

(1)       To note the deletion of recommendation 2.1 within the report.

(2)       To approve the Council’s participation in a collaborative procurement with Ealing and Harrow Council’s.

(3)       On the basis of the legal considerations within the report, to approve an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders 84(a) to enable Ealing Council act as the lead authority in the collaborative procurement detailed in (2) above for the reasons detailed in section 3 of the report and accordingly that the collaborative procurement is undertaken in accordance with its Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Leisure, to agree the award of contract on completion of the procurement process for a period of 5 years with an option to extend for a further 4 years to (a total of 9 years) to London North West University Healthcare Trust (LNWHT).