Independent advocacy services for adults and young people (16 years) - Joint Procurement between RBWM and Wokingham

Wokingham Borough Council is pleased to announce that it is inviting tenders for the provision of an Independent Advocacy Service for Adults and Young People (16+ Years) for both Wokingham Borough Council and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Wokingham Borough Council and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are seeking to rationalise their current advocacy contracts with the aim of developing a single pathway which will meet all statutory advocacy requirements. The commissioning authorities are inviting a single Provider to tender to deliver this service.

The current approach to the provision of health and adult social care services of promoting independence by putting people in control of their care and support with both the local and National drive is towards outcome focussed, person centred support with the aim of preventing, reducing and delaying the need for care or support.

The commissioning authorities recognise that this cannot be achieved without understanding the views, wishes, aspirations and needs of the customer, which requires the active involvement of the customer, their carers and families. Advocacy is an important feature within this process, enabling vulnerable people to be involved by having their voices heard and expressing their views.

By working together to commission a single contract with a single point of entry we aim to achieve:

• Greater co-ordination of services for customers,

• Reduction in duplication of services

• Efficiencies for the commissioners and Provider

• Increased sharing of best practice

• Development of common protocols

• Clear and consistent quality standards

The main objectives of the service will include:

• Supporting customers to develop a range of natural supports, including self-advocacy to assist them towards independence and social inclusion

• Assessment at the single point of entry and redirecting to more appropriate services where required

• One-to-one time limited issue based advocacy. Promoting access to the service in a range of settings

• Marketing the service appropriately

• Meet statutory requirements for advocacy that are included within the scope of this specification

Wokingham Borough Council is inviting tenders for the provision of a range of independent advocacy services for adults and young people (16+years), namely-

1. Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) / Relevant Persons Paid Representative (RPPR)

2. Care Act Advocacy (CAA)

3. NHS Complaints Advocacy (NHS-CA)

4. Independent Mental Health Act Advocacy (IMHA)