Integrated Advocacy

We are seeking a short-term procurement of our Integrated Advocacy Services for a contract length of 2+1 years. This is with a long-term view to develop a longer subsequent contract that can take into account potential changes in legislation in relation to the Mental Health Act Reform.

The Integrated Advocacy service will be broken down into three distinct tiers:

1. Statutory Advocacy. This will include-

1. Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA).

1.1.1.1. IMCA provision to support people that lack capacity to be involved in important decisions about treatment and accommodation, safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards (DoLS). As specified in Sections 37-39 of the MCA.

1.1.1.2. Relevant Persons Representative (RPR), as set out in the Mental Capacity (Deprivation of Liberty: Appointment of Relevant Person Representative) Regulations 2008.

1.1.1.3. Rule 1.2 Representative, for Community DOLS (equivalent to RPR for non-registered accommodation)

1. Care Act Advocacy. This is a statutory provision to support "qualifying residents" (as set out in the Care Act) through all aspects of the care and support planning process and through any safeguarding processes.

2. Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA). To provide support to safeguard the rights of 'qualifying patients' under the Mental Health Act 1983 and to enable them to participate in making decisions about their care and treatment (see Department of Health, 2008).

3. Non-statutory Advocacy. The provider will deliver a range of lower level interventions and materials to support those who do not meet the criteria for these statutory services as detailed above (Tiers 1 and 2). This is to include but not limited to one-to-one support, peer advocacy and group advocacy. The provider will ensure that non-statutory advocacy is mainly provided through trained volunteer advocates who have experience on a wide range of health, social care and wellbeing issues.