Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Executive Director (Adults and Communities) :
Tandra Forster Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6ER 01702 215000 www.southend.gov.uk
Olly Knowles Our ref: FOI 09955 [email protected] Your ref: Date: 16/10/2020
Dear Olly Knowles
Freedom of Information Request – FOI 09955
I am writing regarding your request for information, which was received on 14th September 2020. In that request you asked us the following questions and I can confirm that the search for the information you requested has been completed and our responses are given below:
1.1. Do you use a framework for your providers of Semi Independent Accommodation for Looked After Children (LAC) aged 16 plus? We have our own pseudo DPS framework for Care Leavers for semi-independent accommodation for LAC aged 16-18. 1.2. If the answer to Question 1.1 is yes, please let me know the name of the framework that you use. We have our own pseudo DPS framework for Care Leavers for semi-independent accommodation for LAC aged 16-18. 1.3. Please let me know the date that it will be renewed. The DPS commenced on 1st March 2018. The Dynamic Purchasing System duration is 3 years, unless terminated earlier or extended by up to a maximum of up to 3 years or any part thereof. The extension will be at the discretion of the Council and will be subject to a high level of service delivery, economic performance and value for money. Applications to join the DPS can be made at any time, however, the Council is now reviewing all applications on an annual basis due to low demand for semi-independent accommodation. 1.4. Do you make use of spot purchases outside of this framework? New packages of accommodation and support that are required for individual Care Leavers will be circulated to all organisations within the Dynamic Purchasing System. However, where Care Leavers have complex / and or needs that relate to a specific condition these services will only be arranged with organisations who have
@southendbc | SouthendBCOfficial | southendbc | southendbc
indicated they provide such services and who can demonstrate that all staff and managers who will be providing support and or care to the service user have the skills, training and experience to provide such support. The Council reserves the right to purchase directly from other providers if a young person’s needs cannot be met within the organisations registered with the Dynamic Purchasing System. 2.1. If you don't use a Framework, do you instead have a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) of providers of Semi Independent Accommodation for LAC aged 16 plus? NA 2.2. If the answer to Question 2.1 is yes, please let me know the date that this PSL will be renewed. NA 2.3. Do you make use of spot purchases outside of this PSL? NA
3. Who is the person within the council who would be in charge of the Framework or PSL of providers of Semi Independent Accommodation for LAC aged 16 plus? The Procurement Team oversees the application and evaluation process for the DPS for Care Leavers – contact Emma Woof – Senior Procurement Advisor – [email protected] The CM-16 oversee the Call-Off process to make placements
If you wish to discuss any of the above, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to request a review of our response, you should write to the Knowledge and Information Manager, PO Box 6, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ER.
If you are not content with the outcome of your review, you can make a complaint under the Council’s complaints process by writing to Corporate Complaints Officer, Office of the Chief Executive, PO Box 6, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ER.
You can also apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision although generally the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the Council’s complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
Yours sincerely
Business Support Administration
T: 01702 215007 E: [email protected]