HCC 11/23 - PPME For Provision of Housing Advocacy For Victims/ Survivors Of Domestic Abuse

Hertfordshire County Council ('the Council') wishes to invite interested Providers to return the PPME Appendix A- Supplier Questionnaire by 12.00 (noon) Thursday 7th December 2023. The Council will consider the input and responses received as part of its PPME to help inform the Council's options and further decision making regarding the below intended project and to help inform its specification. Project Background Victims who are homeless as a result of domestic abuse have priority need for homeless assistance and suitable accommodation. Local authorities have a duty to secure accommodation for victims of domestic abuse if they are homeless. This includes ensuring there is support specifically for victims with unique and/or complex needs, such as mental health advice and support, drug and alcohol advice and support, as well as signposting accordingly. The Whole Housing Approach (WHA) aims to reduce the number of people who are made homeless as a result of domestic abuse and increase tenancy sustainment options for victims and survivors. A key element of the WHA model is co-located advocacy. Co-located advocacy focuses on victim and survivors' self- identified needs, rather than needs defined by the service. The proposed service would be based on the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).Co-located advocacy improves access to specialist domestic abuse support for victims and survivors who approach the local authority for housing. It plays a key role in ensuring their safety and meeting individual housing needs. Current Position and Scope The Council currently commissions SADA (Survivors Against Domestic Abuse) to deliver the housing navigator pilot. The Housing Navigator Pilot is Hertfordshire's localised version of housing advocacy. Housing navigators work closely with the ten districts and boroughs in Hertfordshire's housing teams and domestic abuse providers to offer housing-related support and advice to people experiencing domestic abuse. This can include advice on housing options, safety planning and risk management. The Housing Navigator Pilot will end on the 30th June 2024. It is anticipated that the Co-located Housing Advocacy service will commence on the 01 July 2024. The Council will act as the lead commissioner for a range of funding partners, which will include Hertfordshire's ten District Councils. Scope going forward The Council wants to commission a countywide service to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse, to access safe and sustainable housing through housing advocacy. The Council is currently anticipating awarding a core two-year contract commencing on 01 July 2024 with the option of an extensions for a further year (2+1). Please note this will be defined in any forthcoming contract terms and conditions. The proposed tender would be open to a range of provider organisations that have the necessary experience and experti...