Issue - items at meetings - Improved Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Specialist Services from 2015/16 onwards

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached).

That the Policy & Resources Committee approves the tendering of a specialist service through a competitive procurement process for a 3 year contract with an option to extend by up to a further two years (at the Council’s discretion).

That delegated authority is granted to the Director of Public Health to approve the award of a contract to the successful bidder(s) following recommendations of the tender evaluation panel with an option to extend by up to a further two years.

124.1    The Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health in relation to Improved Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Specialist Services from 2015/16 Onwards. The report sought agreement to tender and award a contract for the supply of a specialist service from victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse and with the aim of bringing together a range of existing services; creating simplified care pathways and reducing duplication. This was to better meet the risk posed to, and needs of victims and survivors and their families in the context of increasing demand.

124.2    Councillor Randall welcomed the report, and thanked the Lead Commissioner for the work already undertaken. He noted this was a critical service for the city, and a highly important issue.

124.3    Councillor Morgan noted his involvement in this area through the Community Safety Forum, and thanked the Lead Commissioner for the detailed briefing. He highlighted the increased levels of reporting in the city, and praised the work of the Police & Crime Commissioner in this area and the funding that had been committed. He added that a future Labour administration in the city would put increased funding into this area, and he hoped the social value weighting of the tender would secure the right expertise for the service. Councillor Morgan endorsed the work by Officers and recommended the report for approval.

124.5    Councillor A. Norman noted the quality of the report, and extended her thanks. She stated this was a commissioning exercise for a key service that was welcomed by the Conservative Group, and she hoped the new contracts would provide greater stability for the service going forward.

124.6    The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

124.7    RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1)     Approves the tendering of a specialist service through a competitive procurement process for a 3 year contract with an option to extend by up to a further two years (at the Council’s discretion).

2)     Grant delegated authority to the Director of Public Health to approve the award of a contract to the successful bidder(s) following recommendations of the tender evaluation panel with an option to extend by up to a further two years.