Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to award a contract for the provision of Independent Advocacy Services in Surrey as detailed in the recommendations to commence on 1 April 2017. The service is jointly funded by Adult Social Care, Public Health and Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Awarding the contract for Independent Advocacy Services will allow Surrey County Council to meet its statutory requirements under the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Health Act 1983 across a range of age groups, needs and settings. This includes young people in transition to adult services, older people, adults with disabilities, including carers, those with sensory impairments, learning difficulties, autism, physical disabilities, mental health issues and individuals with limited capacity, for example, with dementia or head injury.

The report provides details of the procurement process, including the results of the tender evaluation, engagement and consultation and, in conjunction with the Part 2 report, demonstrates why the recommended contract award delivers best value for money and contributes to the strategic goals of Wellbeing, Economic Prosperity and Resident Experience to ensure Surrey’s economy remains strong and sustainable and the service meets the needs of residents in Surrey.

N.B. There is a Part 2 report containing exempt information – item 24.

[The decisions on this item may be called in by either the Council Overview Board or the Social Care Services Board]

RESOLVED:

That the contract be awarded to the recommended provider for three years from 1 April 2017 with an option to extend for up to one year. Details of the award and the contract value were contained in the Part 2 report, considered later in the meeting.

Reasons for Decisions:

The current contractual agreements will expire on 31 March 2017. A full tender process, in compliance with the requirement of Public Contract Regulations and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process.

The newly commissioned service represents a substantial change of direction for the Council moving towards a more focussed advocacy service in Surrey.

The service will be delivered in Surrey from local bases and will provide apprenticeship opportunities to Surrey Young People whilst delivering efficiencies for the Council.

Re-focussing the way that advocacy is delivered under the new contract will allow a 50% reduction in spend, meeting the Councils need to make savings.

[The decision on this item may be called in by either the Council Overview Board or the Social Care Services Scrutiny Board]

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Independence said that this report sought approval to award a contract for the provision of Independent Advocacy Services in Surrey as detailed in the recommendations to commence on 1 April 2017. The service was jointly funded by Adult Social Care, Public Health and Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups.

He said the key focus of the new contract was on statutory provision, with some discretionary advocacy support services for those on the cusp of requiring adult social care intervention.

Finally, he confirmed that a consultation exercise had been undertaken, which had given a number of opportunities for stakeholders to co-design the specification for this service.

RESOLVED:

That the contract be awarded to the recommended provider for three years from 1 April 2017 with an option to extend for up to one year. Details of the award and the contract value were contained in the Part 2 report, considered later in the meeting.

Reasons for Decisions:

The current contractual agreements will expire on 31 March 2017. A full tender process, in compliance with the requirement of Public Contract Regulations and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process.

The newly commissioned service represents a substantial change of direction for the Council moving towards a more focussed advocacy service in Surrey.

The service will be delivered in Surrey from local bases and will provide apprenticeship opportunities to Surrey Young People whilst delivering efficiencies for the Council.

Re-focussing the way that advocacy is delivered under the new contract will allow a 50% reduction in spend, meeting the Councils need to make savings.