Provision of Supported Living Services in Sefton - Framework

The services provided under the contract will be dependent on possible future changes in legislation, the level of demand for the services and the structure of the Provider market prevalent within the borough.

Contract Risks

Identified risks which could require changes to the agreement to accommodate are as follows:

Possible changes to legislation or policy which affect the statutory obligations of the Council.

Fluctuations in demand for the service resulting from demographic changes and/or the availability of alternative methods of achieving the required outcomes recipients of the Services.

Fluctuations in demand resulting from changes in legislation for unrelated factors such as benefits entitlement for example which may impact on potential users of the Service(s)

Non performance of Providers or inability to cater for 100% of the Services required for the Lot(s) that they have been awarded.

Changes in technology relevant to the Services provided under the Framework Contract

Risk that Providers experience financial difficulties, insolvency, or loss of key funding streams, affecting their ability to deliver the Services for the duration of the Framework.

Difficulties in recruiting or retaining suitably qualified staff, or loss of key personnel, impacting service continuity, quality, or responsiveness.

Events such as pandemics, extreme weather, cyberattacks, or other emergencies disrupting the Provider's operational capacity or the Council's ability to commission services as planned.

Risks relating to Providers' ability to comply with data protection legislation (e.g., UK GDPR), maintain secure systems, or respond properly to information requests.

Potential failures in Providers' safeguarding practices requiring contract variation, intervention, or enforcement due to risk of harm to service users.

Risk that insufficient market interest or provider exit from the market affects competition, value for money, or availability of services within specific Lots.

Significant increases in staffing, utilities, insurance, or other operating costs that may necessitate contract review or limit Providers' ability to deliver at agreed prices.

Persistent failure to meet agreed quality standards, KPIs, or regulatory requirements (e.g., CQC ratings), requiring additional monitoring, support, or contractual changes.

Changes in the quality standards and / or evaluation methodology employed by the relevant regulator of the Services

Changes or failures in related health, housing, or social care provision that affect Providers' ability to deliver outcomes under this Framework.

Risks where Providers cannot deliver services equitably across all required areas of the borough