The core/non-core outsourcing concept has reached education as WS Atkins takes on support services for the London Borough of Southwark.

Following the preferred bidder announcement in July last year, WS Atkins has been awarded the first Public Private Partnership involving the entire support function of an education authority. The London Borough of Southwark has voted to transfer all the non-teaching responsibilities of its Local Education Authority to WS Atkins as part of a 'learning services partnership'.

The move follows recommendations from OfSTED and further proposals from KPMG, who were engaged by the DfEE and the LEA to review the improvement and support services provided to Southwark schools.

The learning services partnership includes far more than the technical services for which WS Atkins is known. It will cover school improvement; pupil support and special educational needs; human resources; information and communications technology; financial services; plus managing the repair and maintenance of school buildings. Subject to performance, coverage will extend in September 2002 to early years and adult learning services.

The contract will run for at least five years from 1st April 2001 and can be extended for up to a further five years. Implementation will be phased so that from 1 September 2002 the contract will be worth around £28 million per annum, excluding services traded directly with the schools. By this date around 700 Southwark employees are expected to have transferred to WS Atkins. A spokesperson for the public service union Unison was unable to comment in detail but confirmed that the union is opposed to contracting out.

Michael Jeffries, Chief Executive of WS Atkins, said, “We are delighted to be entering into an education services partnership with the London Borough of Southwark. Together with the staff who are joining our Group, WS Atkins brings an unique combination of skills and experience to enhance the quality of the education service in Southwark.”

Richard Byatt