Sanctuary SAFER Scheme

Kent County Council are looking to commission a suitably qualified Provider to deliver the Property Security element of the Sanctuary Access for Eligible Residents SAFER Scheme. The SAFER Scheme is a new preventative service which will enable victims and survivors of domestic abuse to remain in their own home, where it is safe to do so and where the perpetrator does not live.

The SAFER Scheme aims to improve safety, improve health, wellbeing, and prevent harm.

The vision for the service is to provide and install approved property security measures to survivors of domestic abuse, adults and children, once the property has been adapted the household will be defined as residing in safe accommodation and will be in line with the new statutory duties introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

KCC are looking to commission a property security Provider to undertake countywide property assessments, provide and install approved property security measures across the county, to improve safety and to aid in delaying a perpetrator gaining access to the property of the victim or survivor. This will lead to further positive outcomes such as, improved access to support for underserved groups, a reduction in victim risk level, repeat offences, homelessness, and the need for emergency accommodation.

The Provider will need to demonstrate that they are cognisant of survivors needs, and able to conduct property assessments, provide and install the relevant property security measures.

The service will be delivered countywide by a single Provider, with the option to subcontract specific works to secondary providers pre vetted by the Provider where necessary.

The Provider will hold the contract with KCC and be ultimately responsible for the delivery of the service through the implementation and development of a responsive service that is engaged with partner agencies.

The SAFER Scheme will be delivered through one lot, and Countywide delivery includes the following Kent local authority areas, Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells.

The Provider must be able to travel countywide in a timely manner.

The contract is anticipated to commence on 1 December 2023 and will run for a period of two years, expiring 30 November 2025 with the option for two one year extensions at the discretion of the Council, unless terminated in accordance with the published Conditions of Contract.

SQ submissions are due via the Kent Business Portal by 12pm on 31 May 2023. Please allow adequate time for uploading documents and submit responses well in advance of the closing time to avoid last minute problems.

Interested parties are also asked to direct any questions via the Portal.