MKC - Advocacy Service

Milton Keynes Council requires an independent advocacy service which meets all statutory requirements for the provision of independent advocacy under the terms of the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 2007 and the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The service will be provided across all categories of need, including adults with learning disabilities, dementia, mental health needs, acquired brain injury, physical and sensory impairment and young people in transition to adult services.

Advocates providing statutory advocacy have clearly defined roles and functions. They support specific people in pre-defined circumstances with particular decisions or activities.

People accessing statutory advocacy have a legal right to do so. The statutory provision specified in this contract will ensure that the Council's legal obligations are met and service users are effectively supported to be involved in decisions regarding their care and support.

This Service is being commissioned to meet the Council's statutory advocacy responsibilities in relation to: • Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) Including Adult protection cases that involve vulnerable people • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) • Care Act • NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) The Independent Advocacy Service will also be required to provide leadership in respect of wider advocacy matters across Milton Keynes, working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and advice providers to ensure that the concept of advocacy is understood and that support is available to any person who may have genuine difficulty articulating or negotiating their needs and personal goals. Contract is for 3 years with potential to extend for further 2 years. Contract starting on 1 July 2018.