Health and social work services

Tender description

Applicants are invited to tender for the provision of an Independent Living Centre Service for Shropshire residents for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for up to a further 12 months commencing on 1.9.2016. Applicants are invited to tender for the provision of an Independent Living Centre Service for Shropshire residents for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for up to a further 12 months commencing on 1.9.2016. The priorities for Shropshire's Draft Health & Wellbeing Strategy are focused on Prevention (Health promotion and resilience) and Sustainability (Promoting independence at home). The availability of an Independent Living Centre service will support these priorities through helping to increase the availability and use of aids and adaptations through promotion and signposting, as well as its core activity of undertaking occupational therapy assessments. In addition the Better Care Fund identifies a key strategic theme of keeping people independent for longer, with the funding of Disabled Facilities Grants for adaptations to people's homes coming through the Fund. It is therefore essential for the achievement of these priorities that people are able to access responsive, high quality and timely assessments for aids and adaptations so that they are able to continue living in a home which is fit for their needs. Shropshire Council wishes to contract with an organisation which can help it to achieve these aims through the following elements: 1. A Core Independent Living Centre Service; 2. Provision of specific moving and handling training / assessments for mechanical stand-aids through referrals from Health; 3. Provision of an Independent Living Worker service to provide rapid and intensive support and practical assistance for people with complex ‘independent living’ needs. Tenderers should note that they must be prepared to bid for and deliver all 3 elements listed above. However, the Council reserves the right not to award either or both of elements 2 and 3 above subject to clarification or otherwise of funding availability. In addition the Council also reserves the right to award either or both of elements 2 and 3 above to the preferred supplier within 12 months of the contract commencement date. The Council wishes to maximise the social and economic impact of the proposed solution and therefore will be seeking a provider who can support volunteering, training and employment opportunities for Shropshire residents, who will actively support the local supply chain and who will promote and support local voluntary and community groups who will be able to complement the outcomes delivered by the provider. Please note that the services covered by this contract are covered by Schedule 3 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Annex A). Accordingly whilst the full regulations will not apply the Council will follow a process based on the principles of transparency. The Council will treat all economic operators equally and in a non-discriminatory way. The deadline for the return of completed tenders is 12 noon, Tuesday 26.7.2016. Shropshire Council is purchasing on behalf of itself and any wholly owned local authority company or other entity that is deemed to be a contracting authority by virtue of the Council's involvement.