Issue - meetings

Report CS16018

The Portfolio Holder presented a report outlining six strategic partners contracts with voluntary sector providers, three of which were due to expire in March 2016, and seeking approval to extend the expiring contacts 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 this universal service provision to be reviewed and jointly commissioned with the Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group.

There were 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, which held a separate contract directly with the Local Authority.

It was 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 provision to be jointly commissioned with the Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group in a way which supported the health and care system as a whole. 

In considering the report, a Member highlighted the value of the work of the Citizens Advice Bureau and underlined the need to ensure that there was sufficient capacity to support demand for this service across Bromley.  The Chairman noted that there was increased emphasis on online and telephone support, but that the Citizens Advice Bureau also provided advice sessions at community venues across the Borough.  Further information about the Citizens Advice Bureau provision, including the number of people signposted to other agencies would be provided to Members following the meeting.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

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

·  Bromley & Lewisham Mind

·  Bromley Mencap

·  Citizens Advice Bureau

2)  Authorise commissioners 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; and,

3)  Authorise that a separate procurement plan be drawn up for consideration by Members where the services currently provided under these contracts are not able to be fully incorporated into the wider commissioning arrangements.