HAC5564 VAWG (IDVA and Case Work) Services

This contract will provide support to survivors of domestic abuse aged 16 or above who live in the borough. The estimate number of service users is 480.

The purpose of the service is in line with the Tower Hamlets Strategic Plan, Mayors Manifesto and the VAWG Strategy 2019-2024 that aims to increase safety of adults and children due to domestic abuse; provide access to a range of protection and support services and provide advocacy to represent the clients with a number of statutory and voluntary agencies. The contract aims to procure 4.5 IDVAs and 0.5 hate crime worker.

The services will be based within the borough with Deputy Mayor request of co-location possibly at the local police station, Stratford Magistrates Court, Thames Magistrates Court, local Department for Work and Pensions, and the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub within Children Social Care. Use of Consortia partnership or subcontracting arrangements will be acceptable.

This service essentially provides emotional and practical support to the highest risk domestic abuse and hate crime victims in the borough. They develop safety plans and undertake risk management strategies to safeguard victims and their families.

Over a third of domestic abuse households have children, hence tackling domestic abuse is a statutory duty. We have one of the highest levels of domestic abuse and hate crime in the country with the second highest domestic homicide rate in London.

This service is a critical service which not only meets our safeguarding duty, but helps reduce homelessness, tackle substance misuse and crime prevention. Additional information: A supplier briefing will take place on Wednesday 11th September 2019 between 12 noon and 2:30 pm.

This Procurement Exercise will therefore be run in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 as they apply to "light touch" services. While the Authority is following a process similar to the open procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 neither that fact nor any other statements, acts or omissions of the Authority in connection with this Procurement Exercise should be taken as indicating that the Authority intends to be bound by the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or the general principles of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to any greater extent than applies by law.

Organisations wishing to express their interest are requested to register on the London Tenders Portal (www.londontenders.org) where the opportunity documentation will be available for download. You will be required to complete an online questionnaire.