Description of risks to contract performance
Risk 1: Changes in Target Cohort Requirements
The Authority's current intention is that delivery will focus on priority cohorts, including young people aged 18-24, with programme outputs and performance measures aligned to the requirements set out within the Specification.
However, during the Contract term, the Authority may be required to respond to changes in Government policy, Integrated Settlement requirements, local labour market conditions, demographic trends, funding conditions or evidence of need. Such changes may require the Authority to revise the proportion of programme activity directed towards specific participant groups, geographic areas or priority cohorts.
Should this risk materialise, the Authority may require amendments to participant profiles, referral volumes, delivery plans, output targets, performance measures, reporting arrangements or associated contractual schedules to ensure continued alignment with programme objectives and funding requirements.
Risk 2: Changes to Outcome Measures and Performance Framework
The performance framework, outputs, outcomes and associated KPIs have been developed using the information available at the time of Procurement and are aligned to the current WMCA Integrated Settlement framework and Connect to Work programme requirements.
There is a risk that national policy, funding requirements, programme guidance, monitoring arrangements or WMCA strategic priorities may change during the Contract term. This could result in changes to the way programme performance is measured, validated, reported or funded.
Should this risk materialise, the Authority may require amendments to outcome measures, delivery profiles, reporting requirements, payment mechanisms, performance thresholds, KPI schedules or other associated contractual documentation to ensure compliance with revised programme requirements and continued achievement of intended outcomes
Risk 3: Changes in Delivery Volumes and Funding Allocations
The Contract value and delivery profile are based on current forecasts of demand and anticipated funding allocations. There is a risk that participation volumes, local authority delivery arrangements or available funding may increase or decrease during the Contract term.
Should this occur, the Authority may require changes to participant volumes, staffing levels, delivery targets, delivery areas, funding allocations and associated contract schedules to ensure that available funding is utilised effectively and that service provision continues to meet programme requirements.