Contract for the provision of a service for Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards Representatives & Litigation Friends and Advocacy Safeguarding duties under the Care Act 2014.

Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole (the Purchasers) will work in partnership with the Provider to operate an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service (IMCA) in accordance with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005), the Mental Capacity Act (Independent Mental Capacity Advocates) (General) regulations 2006 and the Department of Health Code Of Practice. Th e Purchasers named above will also work in partnership with NHS Dorset and NHS Bournemouth & Poole and the Provider to operate a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Paid Representative Service (DOLS) in accordance with the extended requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the additional roles of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) under Section 39. Th e purchasers will also act in compliance with the Care Act 2014 Section 68 to provide advocacy to people in relation to safeguarding processes where that person has substantial difficulty in being fully involved in the process and does not have anyone to support them through the safeguard process. Furthermore, in accordance with the Care Act there may occasions where the purchaser deems it necessary to appoint an Independent Advocate throughout the safeguarding process even if they have someone who elects to act on their behalf. The contract is to commence on 01 October 2015 and expire on 30 September 2018 (three years). There is an option to extend for a further period of up to two years. Any extension will be dependent upon the continued availability of funding and performance of the Provider during the contract period.