Agenda item

This report seeks Cabinet approval to insource Best Start Family Hubs (BSFHs) support services, currently delivered by Barnardo’s Services Limited, when the existing contractual arrangements come to an end in March 2027 in support of a more integrated, Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model from April 2027.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the insourcing of the majority of Best Start Family Hubs Support Services from 1 April 2027, creating a fully integrated Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model that strengthened accountability, consistency of practice, quality assurance, service integration and value for money.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Children, Young People and Community Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action, to take all necessary steps to implement the transition, including consultation, workforce arrangements, service mobilisation and any associated operational decisions required to ensure continuity of provision.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

Councillor Rubin (Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment & Climate Action) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Children, Young People & Community Development seeking approval to insource Best Start Family Hubs (BSFHs) support services, currently delivered by Barnardo’s Services Limited, when the existing contractual arrangements come to an end in March 2027 in support of a more integrated, Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model from April 2027.

In presenting the report, Councillor Rubin began by outlining the basis on which the proposal to move towards an insourced support model had been developed, which had reflected the outcome of an in depth review of the different options available to deliver the service when the current contract expired at the start of April 2027.  Members were advised these options had included approaches involving both re-tendering and insourcing the service, with the conclusion that the delivery of an in-house model would offer the best balance in terms of quality, accountability, integration and value for money.  Although one of the considerations identified, the approach outlined was highlighted as not only focussed on value for money but also on strengthening the experience for families using the service and delivering a more integrated approach that would provide a better opportunity to provide seamless, holistic support for families.  Highlighting the excellent work already being delivered through the Council’s Family Hubs, it was felt the approach outlined would further enhance these efforts by delivering greater consistency and clearer accountability in terms of the way in which resources were targeted and allocated in a way that would not only enhance the connection between Family Hubs and other support services but also support the positive performance being delivered in engaging families, increasing family contact and supporting school readiness.

Having also recognised the importance of Best Start Family Hubs as community assets, given the role played in giving families a local place to access support across health, education, parenting and wider family needs, it was felt the proposed model also demonstrated the wider benefits associated with being able to insource service provision, where appropriate, in a way that would also deliver better integration, strong value for money whilst also serving the best needs for residents.

In considering the report, Cabinet welcomed the proposal to bring the Family Hubs service back in-house.  Having noted the significant benefits associated with council-led service delivery, members were also keen to highlight that the approach reflected a growing recognition across local government that insourcing represented an innovative, effective, and responsible use of public funds, with benefits extending beyond financial considerations to include improved service quality, greater flexibility, accountability, and long-term value for residents. Reference was made to wider evidence supporting insourcing as a pragmatic response to service delivery challenges, particularly where improvements in efficiency, performance, and cost effectiveness could be achieved.

In addition, members were keen to highlight the positive impact it was felt the proposal would have on the workforce delivering Family Hub services with the creation of high-quality council employment opportunities welcomed, particularly in relation to staff members living within the borough.  In recognising the significant work and planning required to bring services back under direct council management, thanks were expressed to all those involved for their efforts in developing a model capable of delivering enhanced outcomes for residents.

Cabinet also highlighted the strategic importance of early intervention in supporting children and young people experiencing inequalities, vulnerabilities, and wider challenges with members also noting the key role played by the Family Hubs in providing preventative support and achieving further integration as a means of strengthening the ability to identify needs earlier and coordinate support more effectively. This was recognised as an approach that would not only improve outcomes for children and families but also reduce the need for more intensive and costly interventions, enhancing the provision of early support and access to mainstream education in order to achieve better long-term outcomes.

In support of the more integrated and coordinated service model outlined, members commended the approach in seeking to facilitate a more holistic response to residents needs, strengthen partnership working across services, and ensure support could be delivered in a joined-up and accessible manner with the emphasis on coordinated early intervention and integrated service delivery considered key to achieving improved outcomes for children, young people, and families across the borough.

In welcoming the proposal to bring Family Hub services back in-house, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the insourcing of the majority of Best Start Family Hubs Support Services from 1 April 2027, creating a fully integrated Council-led Family Hub and Early Help model that strengthened accountability, consistency of practice, quality assurance, service integration and value for money.

(2)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Children, Young People and Community Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action, to take all necessary steps to implement the transition, including consultation, workforce arrangements, service mobilisation and any associated operational decisions required to ensure continuity of provision.