Decision details

The Assistant Director Strategic Finance identified a need for experienced project accounting resource to support the Franchise Transition project as part of 2025/26 business planning.

In order to inject pace into the transition phase, endorsement was sought from the ED Resources & Investment and the Director of Bus Reform to hire an external consultant for an initial period of 6 months who would then hand over to a permanent member of staff (to be recruited in early 2025/26).

The request to recruit process via Pinpoint was followed, with approval provided by HR, Finance and the ED Resources & Investment’s delegate on 17 February 2025.

The contract will be procured through the Consultancy Plus framework contract administered by YPO/ESPO in order to ensure compliance with procurement regulations and standing orders.

We request that a contract be awarded to Consultancy Plus as per the above from 31 March to 30 September 2025 at a cost of up to £97k (5 days pw, for 26 weeks = 130 days, at £745 per day including Agency fees).

Option 2: Approve the contract.

Option 1 -
Do not enter into the contract, resulting in a
lack of experienced project accounting
resource available to support the project.

Option 2 -
Approve the contract.