Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)

This is a single provider framework agreement. The framework will have 5 lots and tenderers are required to submit one composite bid covering all lots. The framework is for 4 years with no option to extend. The services described in this section reflect the requirements to provide support to victims of domestic abuse in Gloucestershire aged 16 and older who need or are accessing safe accommodation1, and may include co-location within safe accommodation, the housing sector or housing services where specified at call-off. Services called off under this Lot will be subject to ongoing availability of central government grant funding to support the council in meeting its statutory duties to provide support in domestic abuse safe accommodation under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Additional services may be called off under this Lot should further funding be made available e.g., via another central government grant. Each call-off will specify the term and budget agreed at the call-off negotiation stage.

For the purposes of this specification, safe accommodation is as defined within the statutory guidance (and future call offs will reflect any amendments to this definition). Commissioners will advise the provider of eligible safe accommodation provision in the county, as applicable to the delivery of support within safe accommodation. LOTS: Lot A - Core support for victims which may include overall service management and the main front door for the service, support victims/survivors across a spectrum of risk, support to the multi-agency response to domestic abuse, prevention & early intervention work, entry level & basic domestic abuse training to professionals, awareness raising, co-location of staff with other specialist services and a protected characteristic champions approach. Lot B - Support in safe accommodation which may include support to access safe accommodation, direct support within specified safe accommodation, referrals to other support for victims in safe accommodation, management of a flexible funding pot, co-located workers within the registered provider sector and upskilling/training for workers in the registered provider sector. Lot C - Support in the Health System which may include: Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) co-located within hospital settings or other health settings, other direct support for victims within health settings, General Practice Development Workers (upskilling staff within primary care) and wider upskilling of staff within the health system. Lot D - Support in the Courts and Criminal Justice System, which may include: Response IDVAs working with the police, IDVA support within the court system, advocacy within the family courts and specialist training to litigants in person Lot E - Training, awareness raising and engagement, which may include: training for professionals both entry level and more advanced training for front line professionals, coordination of networks and commun