Decision details

Demand for advocacy services from users of health and social care services is increasing. The Care Act 2014 brought in new statutory obligations for Local Authorities to enable eligible service users and carers access to independent advocacy and the 2014 Supreme Court Judgement regarding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) has been an increase in demand for IMCA interventions. Additionally, significant areas of service redesign, changes in eligibility criteria and cuts to public services mean more people than before are seeking an independent voice to provide an improved service user experience.
Hence the need to develop a strategic approach to the way advocacy is commissioned in Doncaster so as to create the flexibility and capability to future-proof these services whilst meeting increasing demand and improved service user, carer experience.

1. To contract with Sheffield Citizens Advice Bureau (Sheffield CAB) from 1 April 2017 - 31 July 2017 for the provision of an IMCA Service for eligible residents of Doncaster.
2. To agree funding as follows: Total contract value for 4 month period £16,176.00 this is (based on information provided) anticipated uptake of 150 hours per month @ £26.96 per hour.
The decision to carry out a Direct Award to Sheffield CAB for the provision of an IMCA Service is recorded in signed CPR Waiver Reference Number CPR/16/10/0007.

Option 1 - (Preferred option) To Direct Award a short term contract to Sheffield CAB to continue to provide the current IMCA service. The contract will begin 1 April 2017 until 31 July 2017 to ensure continuity of this statutory service until a larger holistic procurement exercise for Advocacy services is completed.
Option 2 - Do not approve the Direct Award of the short term contract to Sheffield CAB.
Option 3 - Do not approve the procurement of the IMCA service.