Decision - Options for the re-procurement of Advocacy services for adults

This report seeks delegated approval to conduct a procurement process and award the contract for the provision of advocacy services for adults who lack capacity, are detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, have difficulty taking part in their social care assessment or review, or safeguarding enquiry, want to make a formal NHS complaint, or need advocacy support with any other health or social care issue.

1) That Cabinet approves the procurement and award of a five-year Contract with an option to extend for a further two years for the provision of advocacy services and grants delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Housing Care & Wellbeing: (i) To take all steps necessary or incidental to undertake the procurement process; (ii) Award the Contract to the winning bidder; (iii) Authorise any modifications and extensions to the Contract, subject to satisfactory performance of the provider, during the contract period.

The report seeks approval to procure a single contract for adult advocacy services across Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. The proposed contract would run for five years from 1 July 2025, with an option to extend for a further two years, and would include statutory and community advocacy services.