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Permission to procure and source a Provider to
deliver an Advocacy Hub that meets the Councils statutory advocacy
obligations. The contract term will be for three years with two
potential 12 month extensions and will commence on 1st June 2024.
The estimated annual contract value is £345,793.00. The
contract will be subject to an annual uplift in line with CPI (as
measured in September of the previous year). The estimated maximum
contract value is £1,910,725 over the 5-year term
(3+1+1.)
 
Delegate the appointment of the new provider
to the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing following the
initial tender exercise.
 
 

Reasons for the decision

The Council has a statutory obligation to
provide Care Act Advocacy; Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy;
Independent Mental Health Advocacy and NHS Complaints Advocacy.
 
Combining Care Act Advocacy; Independent
Mental Capacity Advocacy; Independent Mental Health Advocacy and
NHS Complaints Advocacy together under one contract (unlike
previously) will provide efficiencies and added value to service
users who require more than one type of advocacy. It will also
ensure that the allocated budget can be utilised in a demand led
way.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 (Recommended) Procurement of
one service provider to deliver an Advocacy Hub delivering all
statutory advocacy (excluding Healthwatch). The Council has a
statutory obligation to deliver Care Act Advocacy; Independent
Mental Capacity Advocacy; Independent Mental Health Advocacy; and
NHS Complaints Advocacy.
 
Option 2 Procure multiple service
providers to deliver each statutory Advocacy contract. This option
is not recommended as it will be inefficient and more costly.
 
Option 3 Spot purchase statutory
advocacy on an as and when needed basis. The approximate hourly
rate for this will be £28 per hour. This option is not
recommended, it will be difficult to budget for and it will be
difficult to monitor outcomes. It is also likely to increase
waiting times for advocacy and potentially will cost the Council
more money due to the spot purchase rates being based on an hourly
price.