Prior to the award of the current contract, Mendip District Council set up a best value review panel consisting of local councillors and other major stakeholders to review their current service. The same panel drew up the tender documents for the new contract using the results of this review.
Quadron's bid was not the cheapest, however the selection criteria was predominantly based upon quality and partnership ideals rather than cost. The mechanisms of the partnership involve a fully transparent and flexible approach to both operational methods and financial reporting.
Quadron regularly presents open book accounts to show the costs of the operation in as much detail as required. A profit share arrangement has seen regular amounts returned to the Authority on an annual basis.
In recent years, it has been agreed to invest surplus profits in jointly funding an enhanced payrise for employees to improve staff retention and as an incentive to change to a seasonalised working profile, thus reinvesting within the service provision.
An extension period has recently been negotiated with Mendip District Council: Quadron has reduced its contract price in order to pass on to the Client the reduction in overheads resulting from an extended contract term, and in recognition of efficiencies achieved during the current contract.
