SS16 43 - East Kent Substance Misuse Service Market Engagement Event

Kent County Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Kent. The provision of effective drug and alcohol treatment services is a key part of the Councils plans for improving public health and reducing health inequalities across the county.

The Council is looking to award a five year contract for provision (with a potential three year extension) of the East Kent Adult Drug and Alcohol Service. The service will provide recovery-oriented drug and alcohol treatment and evidence-based harm reduction interventions for residents of East Kent.

East Kent compromises of the districts of Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet and South Kent Coastal. The service Provider will need to demonstrate experience of delivering evidence based structured drug and alcohol treatment and have the capability to deliver an integrated service on the scale of East Kent.

The service Provider will also be required to act as a strategic partner with the Council, contributing towards shared goals and outcomes through delivery of an effective and efficient service. Furthermore, the Provider may have to act as a Lead Partner/Prime Contractor, managing a delivery network of smaller, niche providers.

The Provider will need to take on responsibility for managing the existing East Kent Substance Misuse Service from 1st April 2017 but is also required to work with commissioners and stakeholders to co-design a new service model that meets the needs of the people of East Kent and is financially sustainable. The service will need to be flexible and respond to the changing needs for drug and alcohol services over the life of the contract.

Market Event Kent County Council is holding a Market Engagement event on Monday 19th September, in the Ashford area. This event will assist Providers with understanding the Councils' service expectations as well as talk through the Procurement Process.

We would ask that a maximum of 3 representatives per Provider attend. Depending on proposed numbers of attendees (and due to space constraints) we may need to revise this number to 2.