Decision details

That the proposed extension for the following providers be agreed for a period of one year from 1^st April 2016 to 31^st March 2017:

·  Bromley & Lewisham Mind

·  Bromley Mencap

·  Citizens Advice Bureau

That commissioners be authorised to explore future joint commissioning arrangements with Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group for the provision of voluntary sector support services that relate specifically to supporting the health and care system as a whole.

That authorisation be given to draw up a separate procurement plan for consideration by Members where the services currently provided under these contracts are not able to be fully incorporated into the wider commissioning arrangements.

The Local Authority has always encouraged the role of the voluntary sector as a strategic partner in delivering its Building a Better Bromley ambition of supporting residents to remain independent for as long as possible.  There are currently six strategic partners comprising the Citizens Advice Bureau, Bromley & Lewisham Mind, Community Links, Age UK Bromley & Greenwich, Carers Bromley and Bromley Mencap offering a range of general and specialist information, advice and guidance provision, as well as training and development opportunities in the voluntary sector, for which each holds a separate contract directly with the Local Authority.

It is proposed that the three contacts expiring on 31^st March 2016 be extended for a period of one year from 1^st April 2016 to 31^st March 2017 to bring all six strategic partner contracts into alignment and allow commissioners the opportunity to work alongside and support the voluntary sector to review and redesign the current contracted provision to be jointly commissioned with the Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group in a way which supports the health and care system as a whole.