Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to NHS England South East

Concepts

• health services
• sarc services
• onward referral services
• core sarc provision
• sexual assault
• nhs england south east
• south east
• nhs england south west
• sarc management
• nhs south

Location

London

Description

NHS England, the Offices of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCCs) and Police Forces within the South East are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years). NHS England is the lead commissioner for these services. This procurement is divided into 5 lots and covers the following areas: Lot 1: Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight) Lot 2: Kent Lot 3: Surrey Lot 4: Sussex Lot 5: Thames Valley (excluding Milton Keynes) Due to its geography, it is proposed that there will be two SARC premises in Thames Valley. For all other areas, one SARC premises is proposed. The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site. At present, there is considerable variation in service provision across the SARCs, not only with regard to the age and needs of service users, but also in relation to activity, service specification, and referral pathways. The recommissioning exercise will aim to increase equity of access and ensure a consistent and high standard of quality care to victims of sexual assault. The service will be delivered in line with current national standards, guidance and best practice, and at the same time meet the local needs of each Force area. The Provider will ensure that services are delivered in an age-appropriate way for children and adults; all staff must meet the skills and competences commensurate with the role they are performing. The service should consider safeguarding, health and forensic requirements in line with current and relevant guidelines. For the avoidance of doubt, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) services and therapeutic provision including counselling and talking therapies, will be out of scope. However, the SARC provider/s will work closely with these services and ensure service users are referred to onward provision as appropriate. The contract term will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years. NHS England are also commissioning SARC services within Dorset, this procurement is running to the same timeline as the South East to encourage and facilitate bidders to submit bids for both regions. Please search for 'Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARCs) in Dorset to NHS England South West' to see the relevant advert. TUPE will apply to this procurement. This exercise is being managed by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner(s).

Lot Division

Renewal Options

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

CPV Codes

• 85100000 - Health services

Indicators

• Bids should cover one or more lots.
• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• This is a recurring contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

Interested providers will be able to view this opportunity via the live opportunities list on the 'Health Family' e-procurement system, Atamis. Click on 'View our Live Opportunities' from the home page, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. Once you have found the opportunity (via the search function, using the title or reference number), to gain full access to the bid documentation (including questionnaires), you will need to click on 'Register interest' - this will take you to the log-in page. If you are not already registered on the system, you will need to do so before gaining full access to the documentation and be able to submit a bid. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.