Decision details

To approve the award of a new contract for combined sensory services for adults living in Surrey who are profoundly deaf, are deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL), who are hearing impaired, sight impaired, severely sight impaired or who have dual sensory loss.

Part 2 annex

That a contract for the provision of combined sensory services and for the provision of mobility and independent living skills be awarded to Sight for Surrey starting from 1 February 2016 for a period of three years with an option to extend on an annual basis for two more years.

Reasons for Decisions:

The current separate contracts listed below are due to expire on 31 January 2016.

A.    Contract for the provision of services for people with visual impairments delivered by Sight for Surrey

B.    Contract for the provision of services for people with hearing impairments delivered by First Point

The contract listed below expired on 31 October 2015 with temporary arrangements currently in place to ensure continued service delivery.

C.   Contract for provision of mobility and independent living skills delivered by Sight for Surrey 

A joint contract for adults and children’s demonstrates best practice and has the biggest potential to deliver improved outcomes for Surrey residents and will provide value for money.

This joint contract will ensure that Surrey residents continue to receive a timely provision of service, and enable Surrey County Council to continue to meet its statutory duties to provide appropriate services to people with a visual impairment, hearing impairment, dual sensory loss, people who are Deaf, people who use British Sign Language, and to children for provision of mobility and independent living skills.

[The decision on this item may be called in by the Social Care Services Scrutiny Board or the Wellbeing and Health Scrutiny Board]