Decision details

To inform Cabinet of the successful application for European Social Fund (ESF) grant for a workforce development project, “Digital Boost”. This project aims to support the delivery of digital skills and increased progression in employment for working people in South Yorkshire. Approval is sought to enter into an ESF funding contract with DWP (Digital Boost) to lead a South Yorkshire project of FE, HE and local authorities and deliver the project locally. The report also seeks approval to develop and implement a commissioning strategic commissioning framework underpinning the delivery of the Digital Boost project and wider delivery activities in order to progress the borough’s employment and skills strategy.

RESOLVED:-

(i)      to agree to accept the ESF grant for Digital Boost project on approval and contribute the required match funding, be agreed;

(ii)      to sign a contract with DWP to manage Digital Boost on behalf of the project partners, conclude service level agreements with the project partners and undertake the responsibilities of delivering the Barnsley activity;

(iii)     that the Council agrees to the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) approach as the preferred route;

(iv)     that the Council begins a procurement exercise to establish the DPS;

(v)     that the Council agrees to allow other authorities to use the DPS; and

(vi)     to delegate the award of the contracts to the successful tenderers for the DPS to the Executive Director of Place, or their duly authorised representative.