Sexual Assault Referral Service to Beds, Cambs, Essex, Herts Norfolk and Suffolk

The Police and Crime Commissioners for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk and NHS England are seeking bids from suitable providers for a Sexual Assault Referral Service delivered from the respective Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

Sexual Assault Referral Services provide medical, practical, and emotional support to survivors/victims (this term is used interchangeably) of rape and serious sexual assault. The needs of victims coming into the SARC will vary depending on the circumstances of the offence and their personal wishes and therefore so will the service required of the provider. The provision of any service must be victim-led. Victims should be given a voice and choice at every stage of their experience.

SARCs must deliver high quality victim focused experiences to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The successful provider, will at all times, treat the people seen, with the upmost dignified manner and respect.

The service must be delivered in an inclusive, non-judgemental way that encourages all victims to access and is sensitive to the bespoke needs and nuances of each survivor.

There are significant challenges in commissioning services across the Sexual Assault Referral Services settings both financial and cross-organisational involving a complex process of working across pathways and at times conflicting priorities. It is important that where possible there is a shared understanding of opportunities for quality and value and shared approach to the management of the provider performance.

Therefore, it follows that any Provider must prioritise work to engage with local partnership working arrangements and build links with third sector partners.

This Opportunity is for a 4-year initial contract with 3 x 12-month options to extend, totalling 7 years.

The maximum budget for this service is:

Initial Term for a 6 County Service:

£16,895,889 (including annual increase)

3. x 12-month extension options:

£14,625,079 (including annual increase)

7-year total: 31,520,949 (including annual increase)

Please note: The Authorities have selected to publish the MAXIMUM budget available, costs beyond this budget may not be considered.

Tender Dates:

Tender Release: 24th July 2023

Tender Clarification Period: 24th July 2023 - 21st August 2023

Deadline for ITT return: 30th August 2023

Tender Evaluations period: 04th September 2023 - 19th September 2023

Tender Response Clarification Day (onsite): 12th September 2023

Contract Award subject to standstill (10 days) 6th November 2023 - 17th November 2023

Contract Award: 17th November 2023

Contract Mobilisation: 27th November 2023

Contract Start Date: 1st April 2024 This opportunity is available via the 7 Force Commercial Tendering Portal. To register, visit https://7force.force.com/ProSpend__eSourcing_Community_Registration?locale=uk