LEARNING DISABILITIES FLOATING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Concepts

• social work
• community-based
• longer term support
• community support
• low level preventative support
• camden learning disabilities service
• the camden wide floating support service
• learning
• community
• disabilities

Location

The service will be carried out in the London Borough of Camden

Description

The London Borough of Camden ("The Authority") intends to award a nine -month contract to the incumbent provider , Centre 404. This Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency Notice is being published to inform the market.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Camden wide Floating support service is available to people with learning disabilities (PWLD) who have eligible needs under the Care Act 2014. The model takes a strengths-based approach which is in line with the commitments in the "Supporting People, Connecting Communities" strategy and "We Make Camden". It offers high quality, flexible and personalised support in one-to-one and group settings, with the key objectives of supporting people to live independently in their own home, develop practical independent living skills and take part in their local community. This is achieved by offering a range of strengths-based interventions, including but not limited to low level preventative support to improve health outcomes; skills development to reduce need for longer term support; and wrap around support to manage a crisis. The process required the incumbent provider to submit a formal proposal in response to a number of quality questions based on the areas listed below. Their proposal was evaluated by a panel of council officers from Commissioning, Camden Learning Disabilities Service (CLDS) and Children and Young People's Service (CYPDS). There was also an option for the panel to meet with Centre 404 to discuss their proposals if required. Quality: • Delivery Model • Making friends/ reducing social isolation • Equality Diversity and Inclusion • Finding suitable and sustainable employment/ volunteering opportunities • Social value A robust negotiation process was used with Centre 404, the current provider who has a proven track record of delivering quality services and working effectively with the council. Centre 404's response was evaluated by a panel of officers using a 0-5 scoring matrix. A quality threshold with a minimum score of three for each question was applied and clarification questions were sought, where required, to ensure this threshold was met. Centre 404 completed a pricing schedule setting out details of service-related costs. This was reviewed and clarity was sought from them as part of the negotiation process to ensure that the Council achieved value for money. Please note London Living Wage will form part of the contract Terms and Conditions.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 85300000 - Social work and related services
• 85312000 - Social work services without accommodation

Indicators

Legal Justification

Intention to award a contract under Regulation 32 (2) (c) of the Public contract Regulations 2015. The need to directly award a 9-month contract following a robust negotiation process was based on the exceptional circumstances the Council found itself in after one of the two contractors decided to cease trading, thereby stopping the planned recommissioning of the new longer-term contract. A ten day standstill period is now in place and will end on 28th June 2024 Previously Camden had awarded two contracts to two providers to deliver LD Floating Support in the North and South of the Borough. The provider that delivered in the South of the Borough ceased trading. Camden Council reviewed the need to re tender the service and found that there would not be time to do so. The council is statutorily obliged through the Care Act to meet the needs of the residents who use the service. Continuity of care and minimising disruption are key to their wellbeing and informed the council regarding the need for a direct award.