Provision of services to the community

Tender description

Shetland Islands Council is seeking to procure a service providing Fuel Poverty and Energy Advice to householders in Shetland. In particular to use a whole-household tailored approach to low income households in Shetland. Shetland Islands Council is looking to procure delivery of a Fuel Poverty and Energy Advice Service to support householders, particularly those on a low income, with advice and tailored support to reduce their household fuel bills, and increase the warmth of their homes. As with all approaches known to have an impact on reducing poverty and exclusion in remote rural areas, such as Shetland, an individual/household approach will be taken. This is in recognition of the multi-faced nature of poverty in Shetland, and the approach known to achieve genuine long-term outcomes for individuals and households. In recognition of the number of national and local agencies operating in Shetland to tackle energy efficiency and fuel poverty, it will be critical that the service provider works closely with all partners. The service will consist of 3 elements: — Provision of Advice, — Provision of Tailored Support, — Provision of Capacity Building for Support Staff. Provision of Advice A central location and number will provide the first-point-of-contact for householders in Shetland seeking information on how to reduce their energy bills. The service will have a wide and up-to-date knowledge of all aspects of energy efficiency and reducing energy bills within the Shetland context. Using this knowledge, specific advice will be provided to the householder to assist them in making changes in order to reduce their energy bills. This may require signposting to other services operating within Shetland (local or national). All aspects of reducing fuel poverty must be considered. It is expected that the advice service will be promoted widely, through various mediums, including leaflet and website. This will include development of short guidance on how best a householder can reduce fuel poverty: ‘How to Use Your House – Making Good Choices’. All publicity will meet the requirements set out by the ESF. Provision of Tailored Support A targeted form of intensive support will be provided to those householders in more acute need. These may be through self-referral, signposting or referral from partner agencies. In the case of referral through partner support workers, it may be necessary for an initial transition meeting to ensure positive engagement from the start. A person-centred approach will be taken to the introduction and delivery of services, ensuring that positive outcomes are achieved for the householders concerned. All aspects of fuel poverty will be considered and covered, as above. However, more intensive support will be provided, which may include: — Home visits to discuss changes within the home, with follow up, if necessary, — Support to complete application forms, if necessary. Where possible, support staff should be encouraged to remain involved and support the householders. This provides the added value of capacity building for the member of staff concerned. Provision of Capacity Building for Support Staff Delivery of short information and training sessions with groups of staff working directly with householders, such as Health Visitors, Midwifes, Community Nurses, Housing Support Workers. Through all elements of provision, the focus will be on sustained improvement for each household. Horizontal Themes The service will clearly assess impact and put in place provision to ensure that the Horizontal Themes of the European Social Fund (ESF) are fully embedded in delivery – namely: — Sustainable Development, — Equal Opportunities and Non-Discrimination, — Equality between Men and Women. In addition, the service will undertake an Equality Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment as part of its development and delivery. The Council is in the process of securing 80 % funding for this service from the European Social Fund, until the 31.12.2022. Match funding for the service is in place until 31.3.2019. Match funding is subject to the annual budget setting and approval process of partner organisations (currently Shetland Islands Council).