Dorset Carers Service - Further competition from Lot 22 DCF2

Dorset Council and NHS Dorset recognise the importance of unpaid Carers who make a vital contribution to promoting the wellbeing and independence of the people they care for. Supporting Carers helps them to have a life of their own alongside caring. As joint commissioners of this service, we are committed to working with Carers, the Provider and partner agencies to commission quality services that meet Carers needs, help sustain them in their caring role and promote Carer health and wellbeing. The Carer service will provide a seamless service to Carers of all ages from 5 years upwards across Dorset Council area, creating a supportive and proactive one stop shop for all. The all-inclusive service includes identification, registration, information advice and guidance, training, focus on wellbeing. Some elements of the service will require face to face support. The Council went to tender to appoint a single provider (or a consortium of providers) to deliver the contract. Whilst Dorset Council and NHS Dorset work in partnership, the Contracting Authority for this contract is Dorset Council. The initial Call-Off Contract term will be 3 years, with an optional 24 month extension, following by two optional 12 month extensions (3 + 2 + 1 +1). Therefore, if all extensions were taken, the full contract period would be 7 years.