Local Healthwatch Service and Independent Complaints Advocacy (NHS Services)

This tender is being published under the Light Touch Regime of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The Social Care and Health Act 2012 makes provision for a consumer champion for health and social care called Healthwatch. The Local Healthwatch is funded through the Department of Health Community Voices grant which is channelled through each Local Authority. The Act also makes provision for local authorities to make arrangements for the delivery of an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) in relation to their area for complaints relating to the provision of NHS health services. This service is also funded from the Department of Health's Community Voices grant. ICAS may be provided by the same provider as Local Healthwatch or by a different provider. In either situation Local Healthwatch will have to support individuals in accessing information and independent advocacy if they need to complain about NHS services. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Council have pooled their funding, and are jointly tendering to commission the Local Healthwatch contract and the ICAS contract. It is expected that the contracts will commence on 01 April 2024 for an initial period of 3 years to 31 March 2027 and may be subsequently extended by a further 2 years to 31 March 2029 subject to satisfactory performance.