DHSC - ASC: Supplier engagement PIN for Case Management System foundational specification consultation

Tender description

There is no procurement activity relating to the publication of this Prior Information Notice (PIN). <br/><br/>The purpose of this PIN is to invite current and prospective suppliers of Case Management Systems (CMSs) for Adult Social Care (ASC) to Local Authorities (LAs) to attend a series of consultation sessions on Case Management System foundational specifications. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) at the request of LAs have developed a set of foundational specifications which set out 'what good looks like' for priority areas of CMSs. We are planning to publish these specifications next year and in advance of this we would like to invite current and prospective suppliers to review and provide feedback on each chapter of the proposed specification so that we can ensure they are fit for purpose.<br/><br/>Participation in the consultation sessions will be restricted to companies with appropriate interest in CMS's. Please email the named contacts in this notice for further details on the engagement and participation details. Lot 1: This PIN is to support market engagement activity, no procurement is associated with this notice.<br/><br/>The foundational specifications for CMSs arose from the Department's work to prepare for the introduction of charging reform, during which we engaged with multiple stakeholders in the CMS market and gained significant insights from the experience and knowledge of LAs and suppliers. One point we heard consistently was that there was a lack of clarity on what a ‘good’ CMS looked like. This in turn made it more difficult for suppliers to develop and implement CMSs and for LAs to cost-effectively procure systems. In response to this, we are developing a series of foundational specifications that focus on the following components:<br/> Interoperability<br/> Data and reporting<br/> Self-service <br/> Core record<br/> Non-functional requirements<br/><br/>We are aiming to publish these specifications in spring 2024. These specifications are not being introduced as mandatory for LAs or suppliers, but will serve as a foundation on which LAs and suppliers can build their CMSs. By clarifying core requirements, both LAs and suppliers will be able to focus their time and attention on developing more innovative and interoperable CMSs. This support for the CMS market is part of our broader efforts to reform social care as set out in our Care Data Matters strategy. As part of this work, we are working closely with LAs, the Department of Education (DfE) and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to ensure we are aligned across government. In addition to these specifications, we are planning to publish a statement of intent jointly with DfE which will provide further detail on our view of the current and future state of the CMS market and set out our wider strategy for supporting it. We are excited by this opportunity to better support and empower the CMS market and we would appreciate your input on these specifications.<br/><br/>The supplier consultation sessions will run between December 2023 and February 2024 on specific components of the foundational specification prior to the full specification publication. If you would like to attend please contact alex.williams@dhsc.gov.uk. Attendance at these sessions will be limited to current and prospective suppliers of CMSs for ASC in the UK market and will function at the discretion of the organiser. In advance of these meetings we are planning to share materials with registered participants, relevant to the chapter being discussed. There will be a brief presentation followed by a discussion where we will invite you as suppliers to share your thoughts and feedback. Additional information: In addition to this PIN we have written individually to each active CMS supplier inviting them to these sessions.<br/><br/>In developing these specifications we have worked with a reference group of LAs who will also be invited to these consultation sessions.