Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am writing to request information regarding the commissioning of residential accommodation services for adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs which do not include personal care and thus do not require CQC registration. This refers to supported accommodation for adults (18+ years) with learning disabilities (LD) or mental health (MH) needs where no regulated personal care is provided on-site (often termed "unregulated" supported accommodation).
Information Requested
Please provide answers to the following questions, numbered for clarity:
1. Spot Purchasing: How can a provider of the above-described service join or be included in any spot purchase arrangements for this service with the council? In other words, does the council commission these services via spot purchases, and if so, what is the process for a new provider to be identified, registered, or considered for spot purchase opportunities?
2. Frameworks or Approved Lists: Does the council operate any framework agreements, Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), or approved provider lists for non-CQC residential accommodation services for adults with LD/MH? If yes, please provide the name or description of the arrangement and details on how a new provider can apply, join, or express interest in being included. If no, please advise how the council typically sources providers for this service (for example, solely through spot purchasing or via open tender on a case-by-case basis).
3. Supplier Selection Process: Please explain the supplier selection or call-off process for these services. For instance, if the council uses a DPS, framework call-off, or open tender process, how are providers selected for individual placements or contracts? (For example, do you run mini-competitions under a framework, rotate spot-purchase providers, use a brokerage system, or another method?)
4. Commissioning Contact: Who is responsible for managing commissioning or procurement of these non-CQC adult accommodation services within the council? Please provide the name of the team or department, and if possible, the job title of the officer(s) in charge. Additionally, kindly include contact details (such as an email address or telephone number) for the team or person that a prospective provider could contact for further information about providing this service.
5. Current Providers: Please provide a list of all current providers that the council uses for residential accommodation services for adults with LD or MH that do not require CQC registration (i.e., current suppliers of unregulated supported accommodation for adults in your area). This may include providers the council has under any contracts, framework/DPS arrangements, or those from whom you have spot purchased such services in the last year or currently.
6. Neutral Vendor/Broker: Does the council utilize any neutral vendor, brokerage, or third-party organization to manage or arrange placements for this category of service? If yes, please specify the name of the neutral vendor or brokerage service used (and a brief description of their role, if not evident). If no, please confirm that the council manages provider selection and placements for these services directly without an external broker.
7. Planned Procurement: Is there any current or upcoming procurement activity or tender planned for this service category? For example, is the council in the process of or planning to establish a new framework, DPS, contract, or tender for unregulated LD/MH accommodation services in the near future? If so, please provide details, including the type of procurement and any estimated timelines or publish dates. If no specific procurement is planned currently, please indicate that as well.
8. Regulated vs Unregulated Distinction: Does the council distinguish between CQC-regulated and unregulated adult accommodation services in its commissioning and contracting approach? In particular, is there a different process or set of arrangements for accommodation that is CQC-registered (providing personal care) versus accommodation that does not require CQC registration? If yes, please outline how the commissioning approach differs for regulated vs. unregulated services. If no, please confirm that both types are treated similarly aside from the regulatory requirements.