An ‘Associates Framework’ is being commissioned by the IS as part of our support for councils and CPPs.

The key purpose of the framework is to provide access to a wide range of expert support and resources to help the IS, CPPs and councils progress work where they need extra capacity on a flexible basis. Associates are external providers who will be contracted through the Framework Agreement to provide services such as advice, guidance, consultancy, facilitation, programme and project management support, research and change management support and organisational development support. This support will relate to matters of strategy, structure, management, operations or services and may include the identification of options with recommendations, or assistance with the implementation of solutions. Such support will be time-limited and provided outside the ‘business-as-usual’ environment when in-house skills are not available.

Note that the overall estimated value of the contract is very difficult to quantify however the best estimate is approx. 100 000 — 300 000 GBP per annum. Additional Scottish Councils who are not named in the contract may also access, if the requirement arises.