Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director - People

The Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director – People indicating that the Council was seeking to procure a fully Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) from 2024 for a minimum of 3 years. The service would provide holistic support to the victims and families of domestic abuse, irrespective of protected characteristic or risk level. The service would provide therapeutic counselling to those that required it in order to build resilience and aid recovery from the long-term effects of domestic abuse. The service would address a number of the priorities outlined in the action plan accompanying the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-2028.

The following appendices were attached to the report:

·       Appendix 1 – Equality Impact Assessment

·       Appendix 2 – Financial & Commercially Sensitive Information

Decisions Made:

That

(1)      the Assistant Director of People (Communities) be authorised to conduct a procurement exercise for a fully Integrated Domestic Abuse Service with a view to entering a contract for a minimum period of 3 years, plus 2 optional years (1+1); and

(2)      the Assistant Director of People (Communities), in consultation with the Cabinet Member - Communities and Housing, be authorised to award the Contract(s) resulting from the procurement and to award any extension thereof following a review of the original award.

Reasons for the Decisions:

The IDAS would provide holistic support to the victims and families of domestic abuse, irrespective of protected characteristic or risk level. The integrated service model would underpin the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-2028 and would address key priorities outlined within the action plan.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The current system was disjointed and based on risk.