Cabinet agreed:
(i) The proposed “Hub and Spoke” model for delivering local Healthwatch as set out in the report;
(ii) In principle, to the procurement of Healthwatch along the lines of the outline strategy set out in the report, whether as a sole initiative or as a joint initiative with the London Borough of Havering and (should ongoing negotiations be successful) also the London Boroughs of Redbridge and Waltham Forest;
(iii) To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and the Divisional Director of Legal and Democratic Services, to determine the procurement method and strategy for delivering the local Healthwatch and undertake the appropriate procurement of a service provider; and
(iv) To authorise the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources and the Cabinet Member for Health, to (a) award the contract upon conclusion of the procurement process; (b) form, establish or participate in such corporate body as may be necessary to create the Healthwatch; and (c) execute or approve the execution of such contracts and any other ancillary legal agreements or documents to facilitate the establishment of the Healthwatch.