Key information
Decision type: Assistant Director
Reference code: ADD2137
Date signed:
Decision by: Simon Grinter, Head of Facilities Management
Executive summary
Following retirements and other leavers there are currently three vacancies within the Security & Operations team, requiring specialist security experience and licence qualifications. It is therefore proposed that a search agency specialising in security roles is procured to work with the GLA to recruit to these vacancies and any further vacancies that arise during the term of the contract.
This decision follows on from ADD323, which expired in May 2017.
Decision
That the Head of Facilities Management approves:
1. Expenditure up to a total of £24,000 for two years (up to August 2019) to procure a specialist search agency to assist with the recruitment process for security and operations posts.
Part 1: Non-confidential facts and advice
1.1 Following resignations and retirements, there are currently 3 vacancies within the unit requiring an external recruitment process;
• 2 x Security Officer
• 1 x Assistant Security & Operations Manager
1.2 The use of a third-party search agency would be to provide dedicated resource to a large-scale campaign with specialist knowledge of the security industry, that is not available in house.
Specifically, the Authority would seek specialist advice and resources to:
• Draft and place an advert to attract a diverse pool of candidates to apply.
• Conduct an initial screening process
• Provide short-list recommendations,
• Design and administer initial assessment exercises (if required), and
• Complete security vetting as part of the on-boarding process.
1.3 The estimated value of the contract is thought to be between £12,000 and £24,000. In line with the GLA contracts code, three organisations will be invited to submit competitive quotations and proposals for the provision of the service.
1.4 The proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
• Value for money – 40% - prices quoted need to be competitive but realistic for the tasks to be undertaken.
• Quality, 60% - comprising:
i) Proposed methodology to sourcing and vetting of suitable candidates. Emphasis on quality control, assessment of technical capability and focus on what they will do to fill the vacant posts.
ii) Relevant experience and expertise – evidence in support of Supplier’s experience and track record in successful delivery of similar projects
iii) Suppliers experience of addressing equality requirements in recruitment services and the approach proposed for sourcing suitably diverse pool of applicants for this role.
1.5 The Facilities Management unit are looking to award the contract and commence the recruitment exercise in August 2017. If further opportunities arise within the team over the course of the next 21-months, the FM team propose to work with the selected search agency to fill those vacancies.
2.1 The objective is to appoint suitably qualified candidates to the Security & Operations team within the Facilities Management Unit.
2.2 The chosen search agency, will work with the GLA HR&OD team and the Facilities Management Unit to ensure an appropriate process is undertaken to attract a diverse candidate pool to apply for this post.
3.1 The adoption of a Diversity Standard for the GLA group has equality objectives at the heart of its goals, as set out in Section 2 above.
3.2 The Diversity Standard will ensure that the GLA group organisations have a common and consistent approach to promoting workforce diversity across the protected characteristics and embedding inclusive workplace cultures.
3.3 The Standard will also allow organisations to measure progress through an agreed annual auditing process which will enable better informed decision making on the success of interventions and where best to focus effort.
4.1 The main risks associated with awarding the contract and the actions to remove or reduce the risk are outlined below;
Risks;
a. The selected agency fail to attract suitable candidates to apply
b. No appointments are made
c. The appointment process takes too long.
To mitigate the above risks a number of meetings will be arranged for representatives from the chosen search agency to meet with the key stakeholders, including senior managers from the Facilities Management unit and the Resourcing Manager.The meetings will be used to discuss requirements for the role and the process for advertising and vetting. A timetable will be agreed at the first meeting. Regular update meetings will be scheduled and the agency will have a main point of contact at the GLA, who will be available to quickly resolve any issues or answer questions as they arise.
4.2 Links to Mayoral Strategies
N/A
4.3 Impact assessments and consultations
Consultation was not deemed appropriate or necessary in the circumstances.
5.1 Approval is being sought to procure a specialist search agency to assist with the recruitment process for vacant specialist security posts in the Facilities Management Unit.
5.2 The total estimated costs of the contract are up to a maximum of £24,000 over two years and will be funded from the Facilities Management Staffing budget (Resources Directorate) in 2017/18 and 2018/19, subject to the budget approval process.
5.3 All appropriate budget adjustments will be made.
N/A
Signed decision document
ADD2137_ Security Recruitment (signed)