Vertical Agreement for Lead Provider (East) for Care at Home

Southend-on-Sea City Council are looking to establish a vertical agreement with Southend Care Limited.

Background:

Southend-on-Sea City Council recently established the Care at Home Framework via a competitive tendering procedure. This established 2 lead providers across 3 areas as well as 14 locality providers across 4 areas. In addition to this, Southend-on-Sea intend to direct award via vertical agreement an additional lead provider area (East) to Southend Care Limited. Please note this is in accordance with market engagement and Care at Home tender documentation.

The contract comprises the following:

Southend City Council defines "Care at Home" as comprising three essential services:

1. Homecare: Personalised assistance provided to individuals in their own homes, including help with daily tasks, personal hygiene, and medication management.
2. Reablement Service: A short-term intervention aimed at helping people regain independence after illness, injury, or hospitalisation.
3. Southend Enhanced Discharge: A seamless transition from hospital to home, ensuring continuity of care and support.

Justification:

Southend Care are wholly owned by Southend-on-Sea City Council and more than 80% of its activities are on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, therefore meeting the criteria for the vertical agreement.

The vertical agreement is an exempted contract and therefore is not subject to the rules of a covered procurement under Procurement Act 2023, however in the interests of transparency this direct award has been publicly communicated via this notice.