Freedom of Information request 017-2023

Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI 017-2023
It has come to my attention that you have requested an internal review of the Trust’s FOI response of the 5th of May 2023, reference above. I have been asked as the Trust’s Data Protection Officer to review the request in its entirety. First however I would like to apologise for the inaccuracies and any inconvenience the first response may have caused.
I also understand that you have submitted a supplementary question, I have addressed this in my response.
I have reviewed the original response you received and make the following responses.
1. All pieces of work and projects that the trust has commissioned from the company The Value Circle LLP Company Number OC419158.
The Value Circle provided training to our Board including a Well Led training session so that Board members would be further prepared for the then upcoming CQC inspection and also a Board Development programme.
Review & response: The above statement is not entirely accurate and conflates two separate engagements. In 2022 the Trust engaged in a tender process for an organisation to undertake an external independent review of the Trust’s leadership and governance in line with recommended best practice as set out in the well-led framework. This was incidental and not linked to the CQC inspection. In 2023, the Trust commenced a separate tender process to identify a supplier who could support the co-production of a programme of a Board Development. Following a competitive process, this was awarded to the Value Circle.
2. Total spending on The Value Circle’s services and products to date.
The total spend to date is £43,316.49 ex VAT.
Review & response: The above is the current position and correct.
3. Which consultants supplied by The Value Circle have undertaken the work for the Trust.
Under section 362.c. we cannot provide the information requested because it would or it would be likely to prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.
Review & response: The exemption quoted above is not the correct exemption to have applied, ordinarily under section 432. we would not feel we could provide the information requested as to who a contractor supplied to fulfil their contract with the Trust would be their commercial interest and we feel that to provide this would prejudice that interest.
The Value Circle however have consented to their information being shared as part of public board papers and minutes which are published and available here; https://www.ghc.nhs.uk/who-we-are/board-and-governors/
4. Any reports produced by The Value Circle arising from the work undertaken for the Trust.
Under section 432. we cannot provide the information requested because it would or would be likely to prejudice the commercial interest of the organisation
Review & response: The exemption quoted above is not the correct exemption to have applied, the correct exemption is section 362. b. & c. in the reasonable opinion of a qualified person we cannot provide the information requested as it would or likely would prejudice the free and frank provision of advice and the effective conduct of public affairs.
A summary of the work carried out however is available as part of the public board papers available here; https://www.ghc.nhs.uk/who-we-are/board-and-governors/
5. Who/ what bodies/ organisations recommended The Value Circle to the trust? Did NHS England or any of its predecessor bodies suggest that the trust hire The Value Circle?
The Trust was made aware of TVC and other potential suppliers of Well Led reviews via a Trust Secretary network. TVC were appointed through a procurement exercise/tender by the Trust.
Review & response: The information provided above has been verified with the Trust Director of Corporate Governance to be accurate.
Supplementary question: – ‘Please disclose the documents relating to the original tenders for the training to the trust board. Please include details of all training that was tendered besides the Well Led training and the Board Development programme’.
This question consists of two elements which I have addressed in my responses accordingly.
a. The documents relating to the original tenders for the training to the trust board.
The tender specifics and evaluations for both the Well led and Board Development programme have been provided.
We have however applied section 432. exemption for the detailed costings provided by organisations as the information therein would or would be likely to prejudice the commercial interest of the organisations.
We have additionally applied section 362. c. in the reasonable opinion of a qualified person we cannot provide the information requested as it would or likely would prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.
b. details of all training that was tendered besides the Well Led training and the Board Development programme.
The Value Circle has not tendered for any work other than the Well led and Board Development programme already identified.