Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has commissioned Hall Aitken consultants to undertake an options appraisal report for the future of the OFTTI project.  The scope of the work involves an investigation of options, to consider financial implications and to make recommendations for the most appropriate business model for the development and long-term sustainability of the service.

Commenting on the work being undertaken, Councillor Charlie Nicolson Chairman of the Community Support/Community Education Member Officer Working Group, said, “The key issue for the Comhairle and other partner agencies is the development and long term sustainability of the service.  Fundamental to the future direction is the principle of designing services which meet the needs of the client group and which are fit for purpose.”

The piece of work being undertaken by Hall Aitken is in several stages.  The first stage involved a comprehensive consultation exercise with a large number of internal and external stakeholders, OFTTI staff and parents and carers. 

The second stage of the project was undertaken yesterday when key stakeholders with a key focus in social care, employability and training met in a workshop format to discuss key findings and to further inform and shape the options to be presented in the final report. 

The draft final report (third stage) will be delivered to the Comhairle on Friday 15th February, following which officers will present a Comhairle report with recommendations for consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 21 February. 

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk