Following the meeting of the GBC Executive which gave the go-ahead for Stage Two of the outsourcing procurement process, at the Scrutiny Committee meeting held the following week on 29 April, FOGL Jim Boucher requested that greater involvement of bodies such as the FOGL should be part of the Tendering Process. Recognising that the process required a high degree of confidentiality he requested that the tender documents should contain a list of partner organisations – eg Guildford City SC and major users of the Spectrum, as well as the FOGL. 

Jim drew on his personal experience of being a member of the South London Swimming Club (SLSC) and mentioned that out-sourcing could bring real benefits to the Lido, as Tooting Bec Lido is run by an effective combination of Wandsworth Council, DC Leisure and SLSC. There are difficulties from time to time but the tripartite arrangement works well and required hard work – something FOGL is not averse to if needed. Jim urged GBC to request consultation by bidders with FOGL and to ensure that in the service level agreement, formal, periodic consultation was built-in to any subsequent contract.

Procedural concerns were aired and the Scrutiny Committee were predominantly unhappy with the way in which the decision had gone to Exec before Scrutiny.  There was a concern that local trusts were being excluded as a “spin” on the consultants’ report. However it was stressed that “established” trusts were acceptable.  ”Unestablished” ie formed specifically for Spectrum/Lido/Ash were not welcome as they would not have any track record nor financial security to offer.  The Committee asked to be briefed as the process unfolded so that they could make inputs at key stages.

The next stage moves to creation of the tendering documents. This will be led by Leisure Services Management and published in the OJEC (Offical Journal of the EC). The expectation is that tender responses will enable up to six tenderers to be shortlisted and engaged in a process of competitive dialogue with GBC to ensure the bids fully cover the specifications and service levels.  The assessment is best value, not lowest cost. “Value” incorporates an assessment of service level.