In a confidential email addressed to Jacqueline Henderson concerning Appello (formerly known as Cirrus) Chris Owens wrote the following:
"Looking ahead we do intend to tender shared framework services lie this, so it may be possible that another supplier may be involved in the future"
Chris Owens goes on to say that he believes that "The costs incurred are well below any rate an external supplier would charge"
If Firstport don't put careline services out for tender, how on earth could Mr Owens know that the costs are "well below any rate an external supplier would charge?"
Perhaps Mr Owens would care to venture an explanation as to why it can be after a Right To Manage action careline services supplied by Appello have been offered at a reduced rate to the new management company?
About Peverel would now like to draw to the attention of Mr Owens the ARHM(of which Peverel/Firstport are members) Guidelines, specifically RULE 8.2.
IF A MANAGER PROVIDES A SERVICE THROUGH A CONNECTED COMPANY OR ASSOCIATE AND THAT SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN COMPETITIVELY TENDERED THAN THE MANAGER SHOULD ALLOW ANY SCHEME TO CHOOSE NOT TO USE THAT PROVIDER.
Do you understand that Mr Owens?
Residents have no need to use Appello if they choose not to use them.
You cannot inflict Appello on to them whatever the "bluster" you come out with.
It should be noted that Appello (formerly known as Cirrus) have a highly controversial history.
A former member of staff made accusations (which despite many opportunities were never denied) that staff were signed in as present even though they were absent to make it appear that the contractually agreed number of staff were working.
They were also heavily involved in the systemic price fixing carried out against elderly and vulnerable residents (who still have not been fully refunded)
In the fatal fire at Gibson Court they were criticised for failing to pass on an emergency call to the fire brigade, which would have alerted them to the fact that the Peverel/Firstport maintained Fire Safety Curtains had catastrophically failed and possibly a life could have been saved?
