We ended up with a (b) contract I wont go into details but an (a) contract is far better. We scored very high on quality and poorly on cost. We eventually found out the hourly price for the a large competitor and they are 23% less than our hourly rate.
In the 18 months since the contracts have started two A list providers have been suspended. The whole framework has not worked, I have done my best to take on as much work as I possibly can and I was the only provider taking on work for a 6 month period. Things got that bad the LA brought in specialist company to look at the A lsit providers recruitment process and staff retention. Meanwile I was invited into the Civic centre and thanked persoanlly for the work that I did and without us the hospital would be beyond breaking point.
It is now 7 month later and all has been forgotten. The A list providers are back on the contract and we dont get calls from social services anymore for refferals.
Am I bitter? The LA got what they wanted they saved 2 million a year and they got the cheapest providers at the cost of quailty.
having worked as a care manager whilst a student social worker, its not the LA's fault blame the health and social care bill and all the cuts from central government, LA's have had their adult social care budgets killed by the government, its disgusting, now we are in a situation where they have no choice but to buy the cheapest services in, usually from the worst companies