This is a one-off procurement and is grant funded. An exemption has been employed and is therefore outside of HBC Contract Procedure Rules.
The Local Youth Transformation Pilot review identified 9 key areas for development across Hartlepool Youth Services that could be funded by the pilot in line with the grant conditions.
The need for 5-year strategy, curriculum, QA framework and training for staff across Hartlepool in all sectors was highlighted. The fund has an extremely tight turnaround, and work is expected immediately with all monies needing to be spent by August 31st, 2026.
The need for 5-year strategy, curriculum, QA framework and training for staff across Hartlepool in all sectors was highlighted. The fund has an extremely tight turnaround, and work is expected immediately with all monies needing to be spent by August 31st, 2026.
Services identifed under this initiative included the following :
- Development of a 5 year strategic plan
- Development of a quality practice framework across Hartlepool
- Quality practice consultancy support
- Quality practice training
- Digital Quality Mark - training and support
- Development of a Youth work curriculum
- Youth work curriculum training
As part of the funding plan, HBC had already approached the National Youth Agency for costings and to see if they are able to meet the time frame of the fund and deliver the reviews objectives, to which they can.
The reasoning for choosing the National Youth Agency is that they are the Professional Statutory and Regulation Body (PSRB) for youth work in England. They enable and support high quality youth work across a range of settings to benefit the health and outcome of young people.
They are the national driver behind youth work standards and quality and are respected by our Local VCFS. They are supporting the DCMS on largescale projects for young people such as Youth Investment Fund, to which we have been part of and HBC's experience of working with them has been excellent.
Background : This contract has been established using an Exemption Process and is therefore not subject to HBC Contract Procedure Rules.
The legal division is staffed to discharge the authority's legal childcare function. The demands on this service are ever increasing and it is a critical service charged with ensuring that our statutory and legal duties are discharged in respect of children suffering and at risk of suffering significant harm. The structure of the team consists of 4 officers who each handle a case load and undertake advocacy in the local courts.
Currently two officers are unavoidably unavailable currently for extended periods. The team's capacity is therefore significantly reduced (by 50%) currently and unable to meet the demands of the service.
Enquiries have been made of specialist recruitment agencies, and a national search has been undertaken via the NEPO Framework. Despite several excellent candidates being available via this framework none have been able to commit to the necessary attendance in Hartlepool and at local courts. Several other agencies have been approached outside of this framework and only one has an available candidate who has been able to demonstrate the necessary skills, experience, legally required "rights of audience" and proximity to Hartlepool required for this role.
The costs associated with the provision of such "interim cover" are determined by market forces and each of the candidates offered via the framework have quoted an hourly rate greater than that secured under this arrangement outside of the framework. In addition the candidate's skills and experience ensure they would be able to hold the required caseload and attend to court commitments with a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week.
Exemption Process used.
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has recently given grant approval for 2 stages.
This has meant that the timeframe to commission a provider to complete the engagement work has drastically reduced and timelines to complete the work and spend the grant has meant we need to use an existing provider, which is Teesside University to complete the work.
The timeframes issued by the ICB have not allowed enough time to complete a tender exercise and is therefore an exemption from the contract tender process. The Public Health Team are satisfied with the work to date and given their knowledge of families in the project and the whole background are happy to use Teesside University to continue this work.
One off procurement exercise to purchase a crane wagon using the exemption process.
HBC had a 12 year old crane wagon operated by the Street Lighting Team purchased in 2018 from Leeds Commercial Vehicle hire and was an ex-hire vehicle at the time. This vehicle was then approved to be replaced as part of HBC Vehicle procurement program for 2024/25.
Following maintenance issues a replacement vehicle was sought. As this vehicle is a specialist vehicle under which there is no specific procurement framework and in which following research done from local suppliers we contacted LCV Hire and enquired about any vehicles that they had for sale following what has been deemed to be a successful arrangement in 2018 when the previous vehicle was purchased.
A potential replacement vehicle was identified at the LCV depot and following checks it was deemed that this would be very suitable for the Street Operations Team. LCV also agreed to replace the flooring and a tool box at their own cost.
Hartlepool Borough Council has been successful in gaining an extension to the Family Hubs funding (DfE). The programme has a number of strands with one of them being parenting support, DfE will only passport the funding if specific programmes are used. Health visitors have previously been trained in this approach and therefore this approach is felt to be the most appropriate to improve outcomes for our children.
The Solihull Approach will provide online parenting intervention to parents in Hartlepool and to undertake staff training to include group facilitator training. Solihull Approach is designed to support emotional health and wellbeing in children, families and adults. The model is also supported by a comprehensive range of training materials.
This training was commissioned via an exemption request previously. In order to continue to offer the same format of training to parents and professionals, and to satisfy the requirements of the DfE funding, an extension is required in order to continue to fund the Solihull Approach.
The works are situated at the junction of Catcote Road and Truro Drive.
The works comprise of the replacement of existing traffic signal pole sockets and new ducting for the traffic signals.
Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC) Museum and Gallery Team are seeking a qualified and experienced collections specialist as part of the 'Tides of Change: Revitalising the Museum of Hartlepool and PS Wingfield Castle' project.
Context for the Brief
We are seeking an experienced paper conservator or collections specialist to support the assessment, conservation, and long-term care of our paper-based collections during the Development and Delivery Phases of the 'Tides of Change' project - subject to a successful Delivery Phase award.
Our paper-based collections include works on paper (drawings, watercolours, and prints), photographs, maps, documents, certificates, and archival materials. A key component is the Robert Wood Collection, named after local historian Robert Wood, who compiled over 40,000 items of historical printed ephemera. These include posters, memorial cards, advertisements, and business stationery salvaged from local printers. The collection provides vital insight into Hartlepool's social, commercial, and civic life from the 19th century onward. Due to their fragility and cultural significance, items within this collection require assessment, conservation, and in some cases facsimile reproduction to enable future display and access.
Tides of Change is made possible thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
Project to provide Conservation Management Plan and Conservation Support - Archaeology and industrial collections specialist to assist with the Tides of Change project.
OPEN tender opportunity under 20251612 but no submissions received. Awarded under exemption OPEN03112025131354.
This contract serves as an exemption to HBC's Contract Procedure Rules and comprises the following bespoke training for teaching staff:
- Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed School and Communities training.
- Senior Leadership training (2 day course)
This is grant funded via Change Programme.
Hartlepool Borough Council has been allocated funding from the Department for Education's SEND and AP Change Programme which aims to improve outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND or in AP and their families. The funding is time limited and must be spent by 31/3/2026.
Some of this funding will be utilised to cover the cost of accredited Level 5 diplomas in trauma and mental health informed school and communities for 9 delegates. This particular training provider has been chosen as they are a nationally recognised company renowned for delivering trauma informed training which includes therapeutic practice. Other potential offerers did not include this in their offering.
HBC will also commission a 2 day Senior Leadership course with this funding which will be offered to all schools to ensure inclusive practice is consistent across all schools.