18th October 2006

Dear Lesley,

            I am trying to obtain information about New Deal provision in Kidderminster, Worcestershire.  Provision here is operated by Pertemps People Development Group Ltd. under the Marches District contract with Jobcentreplus. I have a copy of the contract and I am trying to ascertain the following information relating to it:

 

According to Schedule 4 Managing Performance 1.1, The Provider shall work with Jobcentre Plus to establish and maintain an effective and beneficial working relationship and to ensure the Contract is delivered to at least the minimum required standard as specified in Schedule 2 (The Programme)

 

Can you confirm that the contract between Pertemps and Jobcentre Plus is being delivered to at least Schedule 2 specification?

If the answer is YES, on what basis have you formed that conclusion? If you have monthly review documents and/or formal risk rating documents (according to section 1.4 of schedule 4) that support this I would appreciate it if you could supply them.

If the answer is NO, what action is being taken because of this? Please include details of how this affects the payments of public money received by Pertemps, what remedial action will take place, whether their position as contractor still remains regardless.

 

I have requested this information as I am doing research on how effective the provision is in achieving its objectives and contractual requirements. As far as I am aware this is a reasonable request as Pertemps is operating as a public service provider being paid public money to provide a service to said public according to the definitions in a contract with the government body Jobcentreplus. I am under the impression that Pertemps have no right to secrecy under these conditions and that it is in the public interest for information about whether its provision meets those contractual obligations to be available.

A Jobcentreplus employee called Nick Parton has previously been given the task of dealing with my enquiry. Unfortunately, he has been unable to give me salient answers to my questions.  He is based at:

 

Jobcentreplus,

2, Duchess Place,

Hagley Road,

Birmingham B16 8NS.

0121 452 5247.

 

He has informed me by telephone that he is unable to answer my questions; therefore I can see no alternative than to contact you. I would appreciate your help in this matter.

 

Yours sincerely,