Integrated Advocacy Service

The Council wishes to commission an Integrated Advocacy Service for the provision

of statutory advocacy for eligible Individuals across Staffordshire.

The Council invites suppliers to tender for an integrated approach to the coordination and delivery of a range of statutory advocacy services outlined below:

a) Independent Advocacy under the Care Act 2014;

b) Independent Advocacy for Prisoners under the Care Act 2014;

c) Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) including Deprivation of Liberty

Safeguards and Trained Representatives. Where the Individual has no family/friends to represent them, an advocate and/or trained person may be appointed to be the Rule 1.2 Representative;

d) Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA); and

e) Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS).

In the provision of the Services, the Provider will:

a. Provide a single point of access model that promotes a triage approach to ensure Individuals get the right advice, support and/or services required;

b. Make use of digital;

c. Recognise the benefits of strength-based and an Asset Based Approach to

improving health and wellbeing, promoting independence and building community

capacity;

d. Be strongly encouraged to develop a model that uses volunteers to fulfil some of the roles where it is safe and appropriate to do so; it adds value to and improves the

outcomes of the Service; and provides a valuable experience to the volunteer; and

e. Target and support those with greatest need.

A contract variation was issued on the 2.4.22 which includes the provision of Co-Production and Self Advocacy.