Report ACH22-017

The Committee considered a report seeking Executive approval to commence the procurement of a new Advocacy Service to ensure the Council met its statutory duty in providing an Advocacy Service under the Care Act 2014 and Care and Support Advocacy Service Regulations 2014.

The Advocacy Service contract would expire on 31^st March 2023 and there was no further option to extend this contract which was in its final extension period. The contract was awarded to Advocacy for All following a competitive tender and commenced on 1^st April 2018 for a period of three years with the option to extend up to a further two years on a 1 year + 1 year basis.

A Gateway 0 report (ACH22-001) was presented to the Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee and Executive in February 2022. The main scope and purpose of that report was to evidence the ongoing statutory requirement and illustrate that the commissioning options had been adequately researched, and that there was a shared understanding of what was to be achieved by the key stakeholders. This Gateway 1 report confirmed the commissioning and procurement approach.

The Chairman noted that Appendix 2 of the report stated that 23 responses to the advocacy services engagement had been received, and enquired if the reasons for the low response rate were known. The Head of Service for Community Living Commissioning said that this may be indicative of the difficulties in obtaining the views of people who did not have the capacity to put forward their views without the aid of an advocate. It was noted that the specification regarding the expected levels of satisfaction had been reviewed, and providers gathered feedback quarterly. It was intended that the survey would be undertaken again six months after the contract was implemented. Providers were also required to collect case studies, and around 18 had been received annually, however, following the consultation process case studies would be supported by questions aimed at promoting a strength-based approach.

In response to questions, the Head of Service for Community Living Commissioning advised that invitations to participate in the survey were sent out via email and letter, and questionnaires could be completed either on-line or by hard copy. The survey provided in the report appendix was undertaken independently from the service providers. The Head of Service for Community Living Commissioning confirmed that those who asked for independent assistance were able to access it through the LBB Strategy Officer or commissioner. It was agreed that information related to gathering feedback from service users with mental health needs could be provided to Members following the meeting. The Member asked for clarification regarding the Data Privacy Impact Assessment. The Head of Service for Community Living Commissioning advised that, as part of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this work was undertaken in relation to how a provider stored personal information, ensuring that personal data was protected.

A Member enquired if the current provider was likely to tender for the new contract. The Head of Service for Community Living Commissioning said that this was not currently known. However an engagement day had been held and work was undertaken with the market to stimulate interest and attract as much response as possible.

In response to a question regarding referral targets, the Head of Service for Community Living Commissioning said that work was being undertaken with providers to ensure services were being promoted. It was also anticipated that the new Primary and Secondary Intervention Services contract would support the wider dissemination of information on the advocacy services available. Health colleagues, such as those from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Healthwatch Bromley, could help convey messaging back to service users.

RESOLVED that the Executive be recommended to approve the commencement of a procurement process for a new Advocacy Service. The new contract would commence on 1^st April 2023 for a period of 5 years (31^st March 2028) with the option to extend for up to a further two years (31^st March 2030) at an estimated annual value of £321,900 and whole life value of £2,253,300.