Welfare to Work SPECIAL: Lord Freud

What the Lord Said!!

Lord David Freud

There was much weeping wailing and gnashing of teeth in the sector; but whoever said change was easy?

This year’s welfare to work convention was a feast of activity. The weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth were temporarily paused as Lord Freud approached the podium….

LORD FREUD

Lord Freud gave his very laid back account of where we are, how we got here, why we need to make changes and what those changes are.

• I am sure that you are all very well versed on this;

NOW FOR THE INTERESTING BIT

Eyebrows were raised and the audience was forced out of its reverie when Lord Freud expounded on THE FRAMEWORK. The weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth were replaced by murmurings and questioning; delegates were surprised, astonished and perplexed at what was said

Here’s what was said…..

Dave Simmonds follow up question: “Can I just clarify  your response to Steve’s question about the framework and consortia?  You seem to be implying that the priority for organisations should be to get onto the framework and thereafter you can sort out consortia yeah?”

David Freud response: “Yeah.”

Dave Simmonds continuation: “Whereas some people have been assuming that the hurdle is going to be so high to get on the framework that you’re going to have to sort out the consortia before.  I think that was steve’s point.  But you’re saying ‘no, no, no’ the hurdle’s going to be sufficiently low to let through maybe a greater number of organisations but you’re then anticipating that those organisations once one the framework will be congealing together in one shape or form.”

David Freud response: see his FULL RESPONSE HERE

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This raises questions as to what the framework really is;

What do we know so far?

“The framework competition will identify organisations (including consortia) that have the capacity and expertise to deliver not only the Work Programme but also other potential employment related support services contracts”

Q:1 How will local authorities and other commissioners of employment related services access the framework?

Q:2 Will the Framework be the primary tool used to commission provision or will there be separate tendering rounds. Given the huge spend by providers on PQQ, ITT and tender submissions DWP will need to act sensitively to reduce costs.

I have some details on EU Framework agreements that I will be condensing for you…..its pretty heavy going though!