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Response by the Cabinet Member: Can the PFH for Post-16 clarify when and who authorised the appointment of Opinion Research Services (ORS) as an external partner to undertake the next phase(s) of the engagement around the Council’s Post-16 review and the dates of the procurement exercise that led to that appointment? A scope for external support was developed in June 2025 and approved by the Post-16 Project Board, chaired by the Director of Learning and Skills. The scope was issued to seven potential suppliers on 4 July 2025, with submissions requested by 21 July 2025. ORS was identified as the preferred bidder in August 2025, and a revised scope was agreed based on feedback received during Phase 1 of the engagement process. Their appointment was subsequently approved by the Post-16 Project Board and the Section 151 Officer. Can the PFH for Post-16 explain why employment of an external partner for the next phase(s) of the engagement process is considered necessary? The appointment of an external partner was considered necessary to ensure sufficient capacity and expertise to engage effectively with learners and parents/carers, and to carry out detailed analysis of responses. It was also deemed beneficial to have an independent organisation lead this phase of engagement to support transparency and impartiality.
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