Purpose

Procurement strategy for the re-commissioning
of H&F's VAWG services. This is a service that operates over
H&F and the Bi-Borough and H&F will be leading on the
procurement this time around.

Decision

1.    
Appendix 1 is not for publication on the basis that
it contains information relating to the financial or business
affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding
that information) as set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the
Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
 
2.    
To approve the proposed procurement strategy for
VAWG services through a competitive tender process.
 

Reasons for the decision

To ensure continuity of vital
VAWG services through timely recommissioning while refreshing the
model in response to local evidence, system needs, and survivor
voices.
 

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Deliver the supplies, services, and/or works in-house
(make/buy decision) – Not recommended
 
1.    
While bringing the services in-house would give the
Council direct oversight and alignment with internal strategic
objectives, this option is not recommended due to several
limitations. The Council lacks the specialist expertise required to
deliver effective VAWG services, especially those supporting the
intersectional needs of diverse communities, including LGBTQ+
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning, with
the plus sign signifying other identities related to sexual
orientation or gender) survivors and individuals from Black and
global majority backgrounds. Removing these services from
community-based organisations would reduce accessibility and
specialist capacity, undermining current commitments set out in the
Council's VAWG strategy.
 
Option 2: Decommission the service or requirement – Not
recommended
 
2.    
Decommissioning has been considered but ruled out
due to ethical and legislative factors: The Council’s VAWG
strategy includes clear commitments to improving responses to
violence against women and girls, and service removal would
contradict these aims. Furthermore, the UK Government has publicly
committed to halving VAWG, and local authorities play a key role in
delivering this outcome. The 2024 Victims and Prisoners Act
introduces a
statutory duty for relevant authorities to collaborate in
commissioning support for survivors, ceasing services would breach
this duty. Decommissioning would also result in reputational harm,
exacerbate unmet need, and disproportionately impact vulnerable
communities.
 
Option 3: Single Borough Commissioning – Not
recommended
 
3.    
Commissioning services independently within LBHF
presents benefits in terms of local autonomy but has substantial
limitations: Benchmarking shows that boroughs commissioning alone
often struggle to sustain a comprehensive service offer due to
constrained funding. Smaller procurement scopes reduce market
interest from specialist providers and restrict access to
intersectional services. This model limits the ability to meet
diverse survivor needs across the borough and poses risks to
continuity and service quality.
 
Option 4: Commission with Neighbouring Boroughs –
Recommended
 
4.    
Joint commissioning with WCC and RBKC is the
recommended route for this procurement. Completing a competitive
procedure through publication on capitalEsourcing for each lot led
by the Council. Following the tender exercise all boroughs will
have their own contracts. This model has proven to deliver tangible
benefits including:
·      
A more robust and sustainable funding envelope that
supports enhanced value for money;
·      
Access to a wider range of specialist suppliers and
service areas, including trauma-informed support for historically
underserved survivor groups;
·      
Recognition as best practice across London and
alignment with statutory duties outlined in the Victims and
Prisoners Act 2024; and
·      
The ability to maintain sovereign contracts with the
successful provider, allowing the Council to track borough-specific
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and retain flexibility to amend
services post-award.