Decision details

9.1

The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care and Wellbeing which requested an extension of 12 months to the Advocacy Services contract, due to expire on March 31^st, 2023.

The report highlighted the importance of ensuring continuity of advocacy services. It also set out the Council’s future intentions for the procurement of Advocacy Services, which would be subject to separate Council approval.

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee:

1.    Approve the continuation of the current commissioning strategy and the extension of the Sheffield Advocacy Hub contract with Sheffield Citizens’ Advice and Law Centre by 12 months and

2.    Endorses that proposals for retender for Advocacy Services are brought to the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee by July 2023.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

Should the contract expire without re-tender or extension, then we would be unable to contract any further Advocacy services via the existing contracting arrangements.

9.3.2

We will be unable therefore to apply in an equitable manner our Statutory duty under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, The Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Mental Health Act 2007 to maintain a stable and sustainable care market.

9.3.3

A 12-month extension will ensure that the commissioning cycle can be completed in a considered manner with robust engagement and consultation.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1