Decision details

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) have a joint procurement framework & application process for organisations to become a contracted approved provider.

This process ensures ESCC establish overarching quality and support requirements in the support being delivered.  This also sets out specialist requirements for specific care groups.

The care group are Working Age 18-65 and include Learning Disability, Physical Disability and Mental Health. The contracted period was for 5 (plus optional 2 years).

It is requested that permission is granted for a further 2 years.

5.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health regarding a permitted extension to the Supported Accommodation Approved Provider List.

DECISIONS

5.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Note the quality of the process that is in place and that it is efficient, drives value for money and meets current needs demand; and

2) Agree the extension of the Supported Living Approved Provider List for 24 months until 31 May 2026.

REASONS

5.3       The current arrangements to commission new providers are efficient and do not require full scale commissioning programmes that would otherwise require significant co-ordination and staffing resource.

5.4       The current application process is working, it sets out well designed quality benchmarks for service provision and ensures a fluid growth in the provider market.

5.5       Extending for 2 years will enable time for commissioners and partners to fully scope out the future priorities, further consider opportunities to develop the specification focusing on clients with complex needs where there are currently limited services in county.

5.6       The current procurement arrangement supports small and medium size providers to design and develop care where there are significant needs for growth (e.g. Wealden and Rural Rother) and minimises growth in other areas where provision is at reasonable capacity.

5.7       The incremental growth of the provider market is a priority across all care groups and the provider market can expand and support pressures in the system. A recent Mental Health audit highlights that the level of service to meet demand requires a 10% increase with a focus on complex needs.

5.8       There is a continued demand for high quality supported living services (and accommodation) for people with a learning disability in East Sussex. Increasing settled accommodation options continues to be a key priority and there is a demand for growth within this service area.