NWL0120 Provision of Voluntary & Community Sector Services under a Strategic Partner model in North West London

NHS NW London is considering procuring a contract for the provision of Voluntary & Community Sector Services under a Strategic Partner model. The model, & services provided through it, would operate in the London Boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea & Westminster (the Bi-Borough). This is a potentially important development in the Bi-Borough Placed Based Partnership, aimed at giving the voluntary & community sector a greater role in meeting local needs, & improving health outcomes, via an asset-based approach.

Details of the contract are only estimated at this stage & are subject to NHS NW London approving a business case. However, if a strategic partner approach is adopted, the planned contract commencement would be 1st April 2023 with mobilisation from December 2022 & January 2023. It is also likely that the contract will be a long-term arrangement (3 years+), &, based on the value of current contracts, between £600,000 & £1,400,000 per year.

The purpose of this PIN is to invite interested providers to an online engagement event in late August / early September 2022 to introduce the likely delivery requirements, & invite a two way conversation to develop ideas on the design & delivery of the proposed approach. Email Shuhela.hannan@nhs.net to register.

It is anticipated that the Strategic Partner would be responsible for managing the distribution of funding to local voluntary & community groups in the Bi-Borough, overseeing service delivery & sub-contractor relations with local voluntary & community groups providing services.

Requirements of the strategic partner role could include:

-Developing a process for inviting & assessing bids from local organisations for self care services that will have a positive impact on a range of health outcomes & priorities of the local Place Based Partnership, including addressing health inequalities. -Identifying local self-care needs by undertaking co-production events within local communities, working with NHS organisations & other partners, & assessing other sources of information on population health. -Identify & meet gaps by adjusting provision to meet the needs of residents within the contract value.

-Establishing sub-contracting relationships with provider organisations.

-Putting in place the financial infrastructure to distribute of grants to local provider organisations.

-Having close, supportive relationships with a network of local providers, including training and support offers.

-Establishing a consistent process of recording & reporting of activity & outcomes by service providers;

-Regular contract monitoring meetings to oversee service delivery.

-Managing local social prescribing pathways & infrastructure.

-Working with local partners, including Primary Care, NHS providers & Local Authorities to improve local integrated care services.

-Attending regular contract monitoring meetings with NHS NW London, & the preparation of contract & quality reports to agreed timescales.