Local Healthwatch Service and Independent Complaints Advocacy (NHS Services)

This tender is being published under the Light Touch Regime of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

The Social Care and Health Act 2012 makes provision for a consumer champion for health and social care called Healthwatch. The Local Healthwatch is funded through the Department of Health Community Voices grant which is channelled through each Local Authority.

The Act also makes provision for local authorities to make arrangements for the delivery of an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) in relation to their area for complaints relating to the provision of NHS health services. This service is also funded from the Department of Health's Community Voices grant.

ICAS may be provided by the same provider as Local Healthwatch or by a different provider. In either situation Local Healthwatch will have to support individuals in accessing information and independent advocacy if they need to complain about NHS services.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Council have pooled their funding, and wish to jointly commission the Local Healthwatch contract and ICAS contract. The contracts are expected to commence on 01 May 2024 for an initial period of 3 years and there will be two options to extend for 12 months each (subject to satisfactory performance) making a possible contract period of five years for each contract.