Health and social work services

Tender description

The service aims to provide and coordinate resettlement and integration support for refugees relocating to Hampshire, primarily under the Government's Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPRS) and the Vulnerable Children's Relocation Scheme (VCRS). Support will be delivered by the Provider in partnership with community groups who wish to be actively involved in the resettlement of refugees into their area. As such, it is a requirement that the Provider is an expert in the field of resettlement of refugees and is able to offer training and advice to community groups, at the request of the County Council, which supports the County Council to safeguard vulnerable individuals, cultivate cultural awareness and develop the understanding of the befriender role. Hampshire County Council is working in partnership with Southampton City Council and the District, Borough and City authorities of Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Havant, Hart, Fareham, Gosport, Test Valley, Winchester and the New Forest to support families, couples and individuals to relocate under Government funded refugee programmes, primarily the SVPRS and VCRS. Hampshire County Council is aspiring to support 10 households to relocate into the area per year up to 2022. Southampton City Council has set a target of 4 households per year (giving a maximum of 14 households per annum under this contract). The contract is for 1 year plus up to 3 additional years using an Open (1 stage) tender process. Both the SVPR and VCR schemes prioritise people requiring urgent medical treatment, survivors of torture and violence, and women and children at risk. All applicants (including accompanying family members) are subject to the usual immigration checks and screening prior to a visa being granted. Individual refugees relocated under the scheme are identified by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and are allowed to bring their immediate family with them. This is limited to 1 spouse / partner (who must be over 18) and their children. There is no provision to allow applicants to bring other dependant relatives unless they also meet the vulnerability criteria in their own right or the Home Office is satisfied that there is an existing dependency. Those who are accepted under the Schemes are granted humanitarian protection giving them leave to remain for 5 years with full access to employment and public funds and rights to family reunion comparable to refugees. They are required to enrol their biometrics in order that a Biometric Residence Permit can be issued. At the end of 5 years if they have not been able to return to their country or origin, they may be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK.