1. LINks Procurement Update 10 th July 2007

2. The way forward Following discussion with Essex CC and Thurrock DC it makes sense to consider a collaborative contracting approach for the LINks Host organisation. Need to manage risk of one organisation e.g. awareness of local needs, all eggs in one basket etc Collaboration is helpful when there is little central guidance (‘Vagueness’ Health Select Committee)

3. The role of the Host The host will be responsible for the establishment, maintenance and support of a LINk in the local authority area primarily administrative and to give research support Department of Health advises that voluntary and community organisations and private sector firms could fulfil this role

4. Proposed timetable July - publish a consultation paper on issues and options for All Essex (public and stakeholder) September - hold a stakeholder conference to consider feedback and agree the way forward October - Cabinets of the three authorities (if a joint approach is agreed, acting together rather than separately) will endorse the procurement process and ITT October - ITT issued January - tenders received February - evaluation panel to recommend host or hosts April - contract effective

5. Outstanding issues The model specification and a description of what an effective LINks would look like will be issued in July (?). We will be given notice of our budget later in this financial year(?). The budget will consist of a small amount to help with the procurement and then three years’ worth of LINks funding. There has been no indication of how big the budget will be.