Published date: 20 July 2023

Closed early engagement


Closing date: 1 August 2023

Contract summary

Industry

  • Social work services - 85310000

Location of contract

West Midlands

Procurement reference

IA3184

Published date

20 July 2023

Closing date

1 August 2023

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

Staffordshire County Council (SCC) is inviting providers to express an interest, in providing and delivering the Independent Person (IP) role for all Statutory Stage 2 Independent Investigations, in line with The Children Act 1989 Representations Procedure (England) 2006. In addition, providing and delivering the Review Panellists and Chairs for Stage 3 Complaints Review Panels, in line with the above-mentioned legislation.
The detail of such roles is detailed below. Providers should ensure their services are able to deliver:
• Ensuring as an IP, the investigation process is open, transparent and fair.
• Working alongside an Independent Investigating Officer, to provide an independent and objective view.
• Being involved in all aspects of an investigation, including interviewing relevant staff members and viewing information held by the Local Authority.
• Considering the draft report of the Investigating Officer and producing their own report, commenting on the findings and recommendations, and stating if they agree.
• Ensuring their availability to enable statutory timescales to be met.
• In the event that the matter progresses to a Stage 3 Complaints Review Panel, ensuring their attendance at said Panel and providing their input as required.
• In the event that difficulties arise during the investigation process, the IP should bring these to the attention of the Local Authority without delay.
• Ensuring as a Review Panellist or Chair; the allocated officers are reflective of the local population and hold the skills and experience required for dealing with the particular case.
• The Review Panellist or Chair should conduct the Panel in accordance with the legislation.

Expressions of interest should contain a brief summary, no more than 2 sides of A4, explaining any previous experience of carrying out this work.
This should be returned to complaints&customerfeedback@staffordshire.gov.uk by 1st August 2023.

About the buyer

Contact name

Kate Bullivant

Address

Tipping Street
STAFFORD
ST162DH
England

Email

kate.bullivant@staffordshire.gov.uk