Health and social work services

Tender description

The London Borough of Harrow is working with partners, residents and community groups to develop a domestic abuse system for the borough that meets the needs of its residents and achieves better outcomes for victims and their families. The Council is in the process of developing a new service specification for the borough’s domestic abuse service. It is our intention to go out to tender in February 2021. The current contract is due to expire on 31 August 2021. The new contract would commence on 1 September 2021, for an initial period of 36 months to 30 August 2024, with the option to extend twice for an additional 12 months each, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of budget. To assist us with developing the specification, we would welcome your feedback and suggestions based on your experience for a delivery approach that best supports victims in an ongoing Covid-19 situation. The Council is proposing to develop a domestic abuse service to serve all of Harrow’s victims, regardless of gender, age, race, religion or belief, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex or sexual orientation. The service will comprise the following service elements: 1) IDVA service and safety planning; 2) refuge; 3) MARAC coordination; 4) complex needs; 5) assessments undertaken by psychologists/psychiatrists/independent social works as directed by social care and courts to reduce risk and safeguard children. We welcome an opportunity for providers to help develop social workers to be able to lead some interventions going forward. The Council is keen to seek input from service providers on the development of a service specification that delivers the above. The Council will arrange 1:1 sessions with service providers during October and early November 2020. In order to help shape discussions, we would like interested providers to come prepared to discuss a series of questions. To receive further information and take part in a 1:1 market engagement session, please express your interest by emailing: Marzuki.haji@harrow.gov.uk