Domestic Abuse Family Help (CYPFS), the requirement includes specialist locality-based domestic abuse support for families in Leicester who have experienced domestic abuse and are suffering a current detrimental direct effect. The service will provide emotional support to recover and support wellbeing, advocacy, community engagement, delivery of domestic abuse training, individual support, case advocacy, group support, tailored safety and support planning, and partnership working. The direct award is justified in line with Schedule 5, Paragraph 7 of the Procurement Act (additional or repeat goods, services or works). This justification applies where the services are to be provided by the existing supplier and a change in supplier would result in services that are different from or incompatible with those currently being provided, giving rise to disproportionate operational difficulties. The Council considers that introducing a new provider during this period would create disproportionate operational difficulties and increase the risk of disruption to established safeguarding arrangements and continuity of support for service users. A strictly time-limited direct award of 24 months is therefore considered necessary to maintain continuity of service And to allow the relevant time for future commissioning arrangements to be designed and procured in collaboration with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (or equivalent body), Leicestershire County Council and Rutland District and County Council.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award Because of the uncertainty around Local Government Reorganisation and the wider service position involving local authorities and the Police commissioner. A direct award for a limited period of 12 months with a possible extension of 12 months is necessary to ensure the continued provision of our essential domestic abuse services and maintain consistent pathways for the residents of Leicester City accessing this service. This will also allow the relevant time to allow future commissioning arrangements to be designed and procured in collaboration with Leicester County and in line with the implications of the recent LGR announcement. The proposed direct award will be undertaken in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. Under direct award justification contained in Schedule 5, Paragraph 7 (additional or repeat goods, services or works). This justification may apply where the services are to be provided by the existing supplier and a change in supplier would result in services that are different from or incompatible with those currently being provided, giving rise to disproportionate operational difficulties. The Council considers that introducing a new provider during this period would create disproportionate operational difficulties and increase the risk of disruption to established safeguarding arrangements and continuity of support for service users. A strictly time-limited direct award of 12 months with a possible extension of 12 months is therefore considered necessary to maintain continuity of service provision whilst future commissioning arrangements are developed collaboratively across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and aligned with the implementation of the new unitary authority arrangements.

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