Decision details

This decision concerns the endorsement of the undertaking of a procurement exercise for integrated advocacy services to be delivered from April 2019, jointly with Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council.

The Council currently commissions a number of separate advocacy services; some jointly funded with West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). A decision was made in April 2018 to extend a number of these contracts until 31 March 2019, to allow for discussion and consideration of an integrated advocacy contract and procurement options with neighbouring Local Authorities.

It is anticipated that a joint service would improve quality for service users and Council staff; give one point of access for service users and referrers, reduce duplication of services and reduce associated management costs.

A procurement exercise would be followed from July 2018 to January 2019 and delegated authority be given to the Director of Adult Services to award the contract from April 2019 for a period of four years with an option to extend for a further two years at a cost of not more than £870,000 per annum.

Recommendations

The Cabinet Member has approved:

(1)        A joint procurement exercise for Integrated Advocacy Services with Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council.

(2)        For a contract to be let up to a value of £359,500, to commence 1 July 2019 for 4 years, with an option for a further £292,929pa for mental health advocacy services to become part of the contract from 1 April 2020 for the remainder of the contract term.

(3)        To delegate to the Executive Director of Adult Services to award the contract for Independent Mental Capacity Advocates, Independent Care Act Advocates to the most advantageous tenderer.

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