The Director of Adult Care and Health Services submitted a report on the procurement of Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.  The following documents were attached to the report:

·         Appendix A – Reading Summary of Berkshire Sexual Health Needs Assessment 2017  

·         Appendix B – extract from Reading Public Health Outcomes Framework

·         Appendix C – Equality Impact Assessment

The report noted that SRH services were a mandated provision for Local Authorities under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  The existing integrated SRH provision was jointly commissioned with West Berkshire and Wokingham Councils and delivered by Royal Berkshire Hospital Trust, who provided Sexually Transmitted Infection testing and treatment, contraception (aged 25 and under), contraception (referrals from GPs for over 25 for complex cases), open access sexual health services, and nurse-led outreach services for vulnerable groups.  The existing contract was due to end on 31 March 2020 and it had been agreed in principle with the other Berkshire West Local Authorities that the current arrangements with a single provider supporting delivery across the area provided an efficient and effective service which met the SRH needs.  The report therefore sought approval for the Council to participate in a joint competitive tender with Wokingham and West Berkshire over 2019/20.

The report explained that Bracknell Forest Council’s Shared Public Health Team would lead the recommissioning of the Integrated SRH Tender.  Joint commissioning would support the delivery of robust local SRH services and improve the ability to negotiate with providers to seek best value.  The contract would be written to be flexible to allow for possible integration of other SRH services as they were reviewed, and possible changes in legislation or funding.  Further negotiation was required to agree the final contract period.

Resolved –

(1)     That the intention to undertake procurement for Reading’s SRH services, with new provisions being awarded and commencing from 1April 2020 be approved;  

(2)     That the proposal to jointly procure services in principle with the two other Berkshire West Local Authorities be approved;  

(3)     That the Director of Adult Care and Health Services, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, and the Chief Executive, Head of Finance and Head of Legal & Democratic Services, be authorised to agree the final contract value and contract period, and to award the sexual and reproductive service contract, following the completion of the procurement process;

(4)     That the indicative tender timeframe set out in the report be noted.