Brent Council's Cabinet has approved the insourcing of the majority of its Best Start Family Hubs support services, a move set to take effect from April 1, 2027. This decision aims to create a fully integrated council-led Family Hub and Early Help model, enhancing accountability, consistency, quality assurance, and service integration.
The insourcing will encompass Family Support Assistants, Early Years Workers, a volunteer programme, and creche provision, currently delivered by Barnardo's Services Limited across six Family Hubs: Alperton, Church Lane, Granville, Preston Park, St Raphael's, and Three Trees. The current contract with Barnardo's is due to end in March 2027, with a four-month extension in place to ensure continuity.
Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment and Climate Action, explained that bringing the service in-house would provide greater flexibility and stronger operational control. He stated that insourcing offers 'greater flexibility, stronger operational control and clearer accountability'. This move is projected to be more cost-effective than continuing with an external provider, with an estimated annual cost of £662,000 for an in-house model from 2027/28, compared to an estimated £882,000 for a tendered external service. This saving is based on the assumption that existing council management and support arrangements can absorb functions currently provided externally, reducing duplication and overheads. A full financial analysis is detailed in the public reports pack.
Councillor Gwen Grahl, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, welcomed the decision, stating that public ownership should be a priority for councils committed to improving residents' lives. She noted that insourcing is increasingly viewed as a form of innovation and a responsible use of public funds, citing evidence that it can lead to efficiency, quality, flexibility, and cost savings. The rationale for choosing to insource rather than re-tender is based on a review of future delivery options, which concluded that an in-house model offers the strongest balance of service quality, accountability, integration, ease of delivery, and value for money. A full tendering process was also deemed challenging to complete within the available timescale.
Councillor Liz Dixon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, emphasised the importance of early intervention for children facing inequalities, a service that integrated family hubs can effectively provide. The insourcing is expected to strengthen the council's ability to deliver a comprehensive preventative early help offer for children, young people, and families.
The insourcing of the Best Start Family Hubs Support Services will involve the transfer of staff currently employed by Barnardo's Services Limited to the Council under TUPE regulations. This means affected staff will transfer to the Council on their existing terms and conditions. The report notes that consultation with staff and trade unions will be undertaken as part of the transition process, with a focus on ensuring service continuity and supporting affected employees. Up to 13.6 full-time equivalent roles, plus 13 flexible creche workers, could be subject to TUPE implications.
Authority has been delegated to the Corporate Director of Children, Young People and Community Development, in consultation with Councillor Rubin, to manage the transition process. This includes necessary consultations and workforce arrangements to ensure the continuity of provision. The estimated ongoing operational cost for the in-house model from 2027/28 is approximately £662,000 per annum. For the 2026/27 financial year, the estimated cost will be £712,000, covering the remaining eight months of Barnardo's existing contract (£433K) and four months under a new short-term contract (£279K). While one-off transition costs are not explicitly detailed, the report mentions potential costs related to TUPE liabilities, such as pensions considerations, and the need for consultation with staff.
