Provision of an Advocacy Service for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Older People, Adults with Physical Disabilities and Carers

Dorset County Council must involve people in decisions made about them and their care and support. No matter how complex a person's needs we are required to help people express their wishes and feelings, support them in weighing up their options, and assist them in making their own decisions. People are entitled to be in control of their own lives but sometimes, whether through frailty, disability, financial circumstances or social attitudes, they may find themselves in a position where their ability to exercise choice or represent their own interests is limited. In these circumstances, advocacy can help ensure that an individual's views and needs are heard, respected and acted upon. Provision's for the advocacy service will fall into two categories; statutory duties that Dorset County Council must provide under the Care Act 2014 and non-statutory duties that Dorset County Council may provide. Non-statutory advocacy in this context is defined as issues-based advocacy and helps people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain the services they need. Dorset County Council will appoint a Provider who has a proven track record of providing advocacy services to adults and of working with local authorities in partnership to achieve this. The contract is to commence on 01 January 2016 and expire on 31st December 2016 (one year). There is an option to extend for a further period of up to one year. Any extension will be dependent upon the continued availability of funding and performance of the Provider during the contract period.