SOL - North Localities Community Anchor Organisation (CAO) 2024

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) values the positive contribution that the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sectors make within the borough. There are an estimated 3400 organisations of various sizes present within the borough and it is recognised that the services and activities delivered by the VCFSE sector are essential for communities to thrive. SMBC is committed to investment in the infrastructure that supports this sector. The current VCFSE Infrastructure Support contract will expire on 30 September 2024.

There is a growing focus on prevention, early help, and a recognition of the contribution of the VCFSE sector in this agenda. The Council's relationship with and understanding of the VCFSE sector has also significantly changed, which is most noticeable in the growth of the Communities Division. A review and redesign of VCFSE Infrastructure Support in Solihull was carried out in consultation with stakeholders including the VCFSE sector during 2023 to ensure going forward the support will better reflect the operating environment and acknowledge the impact of the COVID pandemic, increases in the cost of living and the war in Ukraine.

As part of the case for change the following areas were identified as needing more focus and improvement: o VCFSE engagement and representation. o Inequalities in the VCFSE sectors, particularly between the north locality and the rest of the borough. o Assurance and confidence in the capability and capacity of VCFSE organisations. This includes safeguarding. o Engagement with public sector procurement and commissioning

The redesigned model includes 4 elements and will focus on prevention and early intervention and will better adapt to future challenges, utilising the strengths, and the characteristics of the borough.

1. Community Anchor Organisation - North Locality (CAO) 2. VCFSE Infrastructure Support 3. Specialist Support - To be procured at a later date 4. SMBC Communities Team - Internal to Solihull MBC

This tender is to deliver element 1: Community Anchor Organisation - North Locality (CAO)

Through consultation with the sector, it was acknowledged that there was a gap in provision of place-based support which is independent of the public sector. There is an understanding that the North of Solihull has very different needs and socio-economic structures that will be best addressed through a placed-based approach.

The CAO will support the Council's objectives for prevention and early help through maximising opportunities for integrated working and embedding the VCFSE sectors in the health and care system in Solihull. When reviewing the evidence of existing models being delivered by other Local Authorities, CAO mirrors that being delivered in Birmingham through Neighbourhood Network Schemes (NNS).

This service is being procured in accordance with the Regulation 74 - 77 under the Public Contr...

Additional information: Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No