Purpose

To request authority to tender for Advocacy Services.

Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the Council’s participation in a joint (collaborative) procurement exercise with the London Borough of Harrow (“Harrow Council”) for the commissioning of statutory advocacy services, namely: Care Act Advocacy, Mental Health Act Advocacy (IMHA), Independent Mental Capacity Act Advocacy (IMCA) and Relevant Person’s Paid Representative (RPPR).

(2)    To approve the Council acting as the lead authority for the purposes of the tendering of the Advocacy Services, including responsibility for conducting the procurement process on behalf of both authorities.

(3)    To approve the proposed joint commissioning arrangements and confirms that the procurement will be undertaken on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.3.1 of the report and in accordance with the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, and applicable procurement legislation.

(4)    To approve the Corporate Director, Service Reform and Strategy, in consultation with the Corporate Director Finance and Resources and the Director of Law:

·            agreeing and entering into the necessary inter?authority or collaboration arrangements with Harrow Council to give effect to the Council’s role as lead authority; and

·            being authorised to take all necessary steps to progress and complete the procurement exercise.

(5)    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Service Reform and Strategy, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care to approve the award of the resulting contract following the completion of the procurement process.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 29 June 2026