Expressions of Interest for Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) services across Derbyshire

NHS Arden & Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (NHS Arden & GEM CSU) on behalf of NHS Hardwick Clinical Commissioning Group who are acting as Lead Commissioners across the Derbyshire CCG's (including NHS Erewash, NHS Southern Derbyshire and NHS North Derbyshire CCG) are inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified providers capable of delivering Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) services to the patients registered with member GP Practices of NHS Derbyshire CCG's for which they are the responsible commissioner.

The current services are due to expire on 31st March 2020, which are Commissioned via an Any Qualified Provider (AQP) process, meaning that patients can chose the provider and location of their service. Services are paid on a fixed tariff.

The IAPT programme remains high on the political agenda with CCGs being performance managed on access and recovery targets at regional and national level. Going forwards Commissioner are reviewing the future delivery models and propose to re-commission Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) services with an updated service model in line with local and national strategic priorities in order to achieve improved patient pathway and accessibility, improved outcomes by increased integration and a focus on wider determinants, improved financial affordability, and evidenced health system benefits.

The Commissioners preference is to re-commission services using a Lead provider / consortia model delivering a revised service specification. The purpose of awarding a single contract to a lead provider / consortia model is to avoid duplication, achieve simplicity/clarity for people and stakeholders, and consistency in quality and delivery.

Key features will include: • Arrangement could be consortium or main & sub-contractors • Legal agreement between parties • One brand that will be developed jointly with CCG • One entry point • One IT system • Admin and triage function via SPOA • Activity will be allocated as agreed with partners and CCG • Will need to agree split of activity - how will work be filtered and at what point. • Lead provider responsible for quality, approach, performance as a whole, and held accountable for all delivery. • Lead provider will be paid and will distribute income. • Resources via management fee within lead provider to manage contractual arrangements, payments, SPOA, quality and performance, networking and integration

The aim of this Expression of Interest is to;

1. Allow the market visibility of the proposed / future opportunities;

2. Support the CCGs informed decision making on the future commissioning of this service (as applicable);

3. To help refine the future commissioning and procurement approach and;

4. To gauge the level of interest from the market of capable providers with capacity across Derbyshire to deliver the services illustrated above.

Additional information: If you wish to express an interest please register on the EU Supply Portal https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=UK. The reference for this service IAPT_2019 33679.

Once registered please complete the questions within Tender quote IAPT_2019 33679 which asks providers to give details about your organisation's name and postal address, email address, contact name and number along with your capability and experience of delivering a similar service to the one summarised above and comments on the specification.

Bidders who have expressed an interest in this market testing exercise will have the opportunity to submit a separate response to the Contract Notice as applicable.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest responses is by 12pm (noon) 18th February 2019.

Please note this is a market testing exercise and does not commit the CCG to carry out a procurement process. Current services will remain in place during this period in line with existing contracts and service level agreements.

A draft copy of the service specification has been issued for providers to make comments and suggestions for consideration by the Commissioners.