Issue details

The current Advocacy Hub contract is due to expire March 2021. The contract cannot be re-procured under the light touch regime, and there is insufficient time to re-procure the contract.

It is proposed that the framework contract is extended for a period of 18 months to allow for detailed re-procurement, as a key component of a robust review and changes to key legislation.

Our intention is to impact assess changes to key legislation changes as Deprivation of Liberty transitions to Liberty Protection Safeguards which are due to come into force in April 2022.

We have a Statutory duty under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, The Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Mental Health Act 2007to maintain a stable and sustainable care market. The local authority also have a duty under the Care Act 2014 to arrange an independent advocate for adults as part of assessment and care management including safeguarding enquiries. The expiration of the advocacy contract without another in place to follow will mean that we fail to meet our Statutory duty.

We will undertake a thorough impact assessment of the changes to legislation and identify training and practice needs in both the advocacy services and social care following the changes to legislation.

The additional time will enable us to explore current gaps in advocacy in the city and co-produce a framework that will cross adults, learning disabilities, mental health and childrens services.