Provision of Support to Refugees in Powys

Tender description

Powys County Council (the Council) and partners (henceforth called the Commissioner) have agreed with the Home Office that a number of refugees (henceforth called the Beneficiaries) can be accommodated in Powys. It is anticipated that families will be accommodated in either council or housing association properties although the use of private sector accommodation is a possibility. This specification relates to the provision of ongoing support to the 10 families (a maximum of 50 people) already settled under the UK Government’s UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), and a further 6 families (maximum of 30 people) already settled under the UK Government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Programme (ARAP), for 12 months initially. Currently, it is anticipated that a further 3 families will be accommodated in Llandrindod by the end of March 2024 under the UKRS programme. Further resettlement may occur under any of the UK Government’s resettlement programmes in future and provision of support to any such new arrivals would be subject to further discussions at that time but may, by mutual agreement, form part of this contract. The service required is assistance in the provision of daily operational support for Beneficiaries, delivering ongoing case work and an advocacy function for Beneficiaries within the locality. This provision will ensure daily generic support and primary orientation within the host communities. The Provider will support liaison between Beneficiaries and community services and will encourage the resilience of Beneficiary families to fully integrate, participate and settle within their new communities. The Commissioner has adopted a partnership approach to this work and a Powys-wide Multi-Agency Resettlement Group has been established. The group includes all relevant Local Service Board partners, the third sector and housing associations. This group will oversee and monitor the delivery of this contract on a quarterly basis. A) STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS The Provider will therefore work closely with relevant partners in Powys to provide the following Casework support service: 1. The successful Provider will need to be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with vulnerable people and people seeking sanctuary. 2. The successful Provider will need to ensure a sustainable and robust business model to deliver the service to a high standard. 3. The successful Provider must provide evidence of appropriate insurance being in place, ie. public liability, professional indemnity and employers liability. 4. An integrated support and care pathway that will be holistic, person centred and evidence based. 5. To assist the Local Authority in preparing the property for the arrival of Beneficiary families. 6. Meet and greet arriving Beneficiaries from the relevant airport (probably Manchester Airport) or other base and escort them to their properties briefing them on how to use the amenities 7. Ensure that the Beneficiaries are registered with utility companies and ensure that arrangements for payments are put in place (no pre pay/card accounts) 8. Ensure that the Beneficiaries are briefed on the accommodation and health and safety issues for all new arrivals including the provision of an emergency contact point 9. Ensure that Beneficiaries are provided with a welcome pack of groceries upon their arrival 10 Provide a cash/ clothing allowances for each Beneficiary at the prevailing rate (currently £200) – this is to ensure they have sufficient funds to live on while their claim for benefits is being processed. 11. Provide advice and assistance with registering for mainstream benefits and services and signposting to other advice and information giving agencies – this support includes: 12. Assist with registration for and collection of Biometric Residence Permits following arrival 13. Ensure Beneficiaries register with local schools, English language and literacy classes 14. Support Beneficiaries to att