Triage for Access to Independent Advocacy and Independent Health Complaints Advocacy

Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly have statutory duties to provide Independent Advocacy to meet the eligible needs of the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. By working in partnership with NHS Kernow Mental Health a holistic approach to statutory advocacy can be guaranteed both in the community and in hospitals ensuring people know their rights and that their voices are heard.

There is a variety of legal statutes across Health and Social Care for independent advocacy, therefore the decision was taken for a Lot approach for independent advocacy contracts. This is to ensure all levels of need can be met and the predicted increasing demand actively managed; providing sustainable services in the future. It is integral to the success of services that the Lot advocacy Service Providers work together to ensure good quality, value for money and effective services.

Lot 1 low level independent advocacy has two parts to the service delivery: • Triage for access to Independent Advocacy service provision • Independent Health Complaints advocacy

The supplier will apply the eligibility criteria to all independent advocacy referrals and where a referral is deemed inappropriate for further statutory advocacy support; will use effective signposting and information to enable the person to access appropriate community support systems.

Independent Health Complaints advocacy will utilise technology to support individuals and support self-advocacy where appropriate. This service will maximise local resolution meetings to enable individuals' voices to be heard and bring about change within Health and Social Care through partnership working.

The supplier with the highest overall score will be awarded the place on the Framework Agreement.