Health and social work services

Tender description

NHS England Health and Justice Team (South Central Region) sought Expressions of Interest (EOI) from providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Liaison and Diversion services across the Thames Valley Police Force area. The service will aim to improve health and criminal justice outcomes for children, young people and adults who come into contact with the youth and criminal justice systems. Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services aim to provide early intervention for vulnerable individuals (both young people and adults) as they come to the attention of the criminal justice system. L&D services provide a prompt response to concerns raised by the police, probation service, youth offending teams or court staff, and provide critical information to decision-makers in the justice system, in real time, when it comes to charging and sentencing these vulnerable people. L&D also acts as a point of referral and assertive follow up for these service users, to ensure they can access, and are supported to attend, further help. The Thames Valley area has a population of 2 358 564 and, whilst there has been partial coverage of L&D across the force footprint, this has not to date covered the full area for both adults and young people. The procurement is expected to commence with the issue of an Invitation to Tender (ITT) in July/August 2017, for contract commencement on 1.4.2018. It is anticipated that the contract will be for 3 years, with the option of a two year extension. (NB: any extension is subject to commissioner discretion and confirmation of funding). A single contract will be awarded for the Thames Valley area, but commissioners recognise that providers may wish to collaborate in order to meet the needs of the service user group, across the geographical footprint.