Northamptonshire Independent Advocacy Service

For many vulnerable adults and older people, independent advocacy is the first step towards taking action to resolve issues that impact on their lives. It is based on the principles of empowerment: those affected by a particular disadvantage are informed of their rights and choices, supported to express their views and wishes and assisted in moving towards a resolution with greater self-determination.

Northamptonshire County Council is running a simultaneous procurement process that will result in the successful provider(s) holding one or two contracts; one a statutory advocacy service and the other a specialist Mental Capacity Act including DoLS advocacy service.

Northamptonshire County Council are:

• seeking an outstanding independent advocacy service that will prioritise statutory advocacy ensuring Northamptonshire's adults have a strong voice that is heard and is at the heart of assessment, care planning, safeguarding and review processes in social care, community care and general and mental health services.
• looking for an advocacy service that responds to the requirements of a number of legislative Acts, notably the Care Act 2014. Also, it must deliver an advocacy service that promotes individual wellbeing and prevention, supports the transition into adult care, can intervene earlier, prevent needs escalating and manage demand.
• wanting to create an integrated advocacy service that assists specific service user groups that include young people transitioning to adulthood, adults, older people and patients in their involvement during a safeguarding enquiry, needs or carer's assessment, care and support plan or support plan, and review processes. This integrated and seamless service will enable adult users to easily find, access and navigate the right services at the right time and to take control of their support arrangements.

The service will be required from 1st August 2017 for an initial period of 3 years (up to 31st July 2020) with an option to extend for a further period of up to 2 years, taking the total contract term to a maximum of 5 years. Any extension will be agreed between the Council and the provider(s). The Authority believes that TUPE does apply to this contract at its commencement.

The detailed requirements are defined in the Specification. The deadline for completed ITTs to be received on the LGSS eTendering Portal is 12:00noon on Tuesday 9th May 2017.