Firm seeks guidance on CCTV tendering process

Last week the Sentinel revealed Londonderry’s CCTV control centre had been subjected to a review and the contract for the system had been re-tendered.

Now the Sentinel has learned that USEL - initially contracted by CCI to employ, supervise and train CCTV monitoring staff - is exploring the re-tender process.

At a USEL board meeting in April it was noted: “The Company has received notification that the CCTV monitoring contract in L/derry may come to an end. ..

“The CEO is investigating whether the tendering process was within public procurement guidelines.”

Whilst CCI is a private limited company it is funded by a number of public bodies including Derry City Council and the Department of Social Development.

A spokesperson for Derry City Council said that as a co-funder of CCTV provision in the city, it was satisfied with the procurement process undertaken by CCI.

The Sentinel asked USEL what action it had taken since its April board meeting.

A spokesperson for the firm advised: “While we recognise CCI is a separate entity from the funders, it is potentially public funds which are used to pay for the service.

“Therefore USEL is seeking guidance in the matter of the CCTV tender, simply to ensure the process has provided the most appropriate open, transparent and fairest opportunity in respect to the award winning USEL employees who currently monitor the CCTV on behalf of CCI.”

The paper understands the firm has been in touch with the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) which will consider the matter.

Over a decade ago CCI was selected by Derry City Council to establish and maintain the CCTV scheme to create a “safe and secure environment for all those who visit, live, work and do business in Londonderry.”

After much angst over the potential abuse of the system a Code of Practice was compiled in consultation with the wider Londonderry public enshrining the principles of Human Rights legislation and was formally adopted by Derry City Council in September 2001.

USEL was set up in March 1962 as an Executive Non Departmental Public body under the Department for Employment and Learning and is constituted as a company limited by guarantee having charitable status under the Inland Revenue.

Over the past ten years USEL employed a core staff of five in Londonderry including a monitoring manager, under its supported-employment programme, aimed at people with disabilities.

Now the contract for the day-to-day running of the system has been re-tendered it says the protection of the local team of employees and their employment rights is a number one priority.

A spokesperson said:

“The service which USEL delivers to the City Centre Initiative is an award winning service delivery. Currently we are aware that CCI is reviewing the entire service delivery for the city.

“While we are not in a position to comment on CCI’s plans beyond this, we understand there is a commitment by CCI to ensure the current award winning team of local individuals remains intact whatever the outcome.”

A spokesperson for Derry City Council said it was formally notified by the CCI as a co-funder of the CCTV scheme that it was reviewing and re-tendering the contract.

The Londonderry Town Clerk and two elected councillors sit on the CCI sub-committee and according to the CCI CCTV Code of Practice an Independent Inspection Panel set up by Derry city Council makes an inspection of all the records and procedures on a ‘spot check’ basis at least six times a year. The panel members are selected and trained by Derry City Council.

Last week Derry City Council told the Sentinel: “The CCTV is controlled by CCI, a private limited company. The Council is a co-funder of the project with the PSNI and has nominees on the Board of Directors.

“The Council is satisfied that the re-tendering process and review of the current system is fully accountable.”

The Sentinel tried contacting CCI for a response to USEL’s statement. No response was forthcoming at the time of going to press.