Tender for Reseacher / Practioner - Transition Self Directed Support (SDS) - Disability Services

Transition Self Directed Support (SDS) Development Worker

As part of the development of disability services in Belfast and on behalf of DfC Pathfinder project, Sólás are developing – in partnership with Action Ability Belfast (hereon in referred to as AAB) and Kids Together Belfast (KTB)-  to identify issues relating to SDS for people with a disability. The post holder will undertake a caseload to support families and gather evidence of the experiences people have with accessing SDS. They will also provide support for the three organisations in relation to moving towards becoming a provider of personalisation and or brokerage services. To undertake this short but intensive piece of work we are looking to commission a practitioner/researcher to:

• identify SDS related issues experienced by individuals and their families

• identify the level of SDS services available within Belfast

• identify areas where need is not being met

• obtain information to provide evidence of the issues families encounter and any successes.

• identify existing providers of services using SDS funding and advise the three providers on operational, governance and other related issues

Sólás is the lead body administrating the Pathfinder project contract which is in receipt of funding through DfC.  AAB is a service provided under the umbrella of Upperspringfield Development Trust.

2.  Context

The purpose of the research is to enable the DfC in their work in addressing the delivery plan under PfG Indicator 42. The new proposals in this delivery plan is fundamental to the research focus. This research proposal will identify good practices and where offers of SDS are not effective and why. Most importantly it will identify how to provide better support for people with disabilities and their families/carers and service providers.

3. Tender Specification

The partnership are inviting tenders for the Pathfinders project to:

3.1     To identify around 100 families who have or are going through or wish to go through the SDS process.

3.2     To make contact with the families and get their views on the SDS process, positive and negative.

1. Identify the gaps in services (from what people state as not meeting their needs).

2. Identify the level of satisfaction in relation to their needs being met.

3. Identify good practices in relation to personalisation/brokerage models and services

4. Produce a final report with recommendations to inform future plans.

4. Timescale

It is anticipated that the project will begin as soon as possible and will conclude by 31st March 2017. The final report will be required by 30th April 2017 and representatives will require a final draft of the report in the previous week. 

5.  Selection Criteria

Tenderers should demonstrate the following within their proposal which will be used as selection criteria:

5.1. Understanding/experience of:

5.1.1 current issues in relation to disability and changes being undertaken in H&SC

5.1.2 a sound understanding of the range of options in health and social care and approaches used to address same

5.1.3 SDS approaches and practices

5.1.4 services providing for people with disabilities and their families

5.1.5 community planning approaches and processes

5.2. Methodology and approach to the work, clearly demonstrating quality assurance of service delivery;

5.3. Innovation;

5.4. Total cost of the work (including VAT) with a breakdown of fees and expenses, the daily rate and total number of days allocated if applicable.

Tenders must be submitted in accordance with these instructions.  Failure to comply may result in a tender being rejected by the partnership.  Tenderers must not make assumptions that the partneship has experience of their service provision.  Tenderers will only be evaluated on the information provided in their response.

The partneship will establish a selection panel which will assess submissions from selected potential individuals/organisations against set criteria.  Sólás reserves the right not to accept the lowest, or any quotation within received submissions

6. Budget

The total monies allocated for this tender will not exceed £12000

7. Submission

Tenders must be returned to USDT no later than 5pm on Thurs 5th Jan 2017.  Late tenders will not be considered.  Tenders can be sent by email or by post. 

Tenders to be sent to:  [email protected]

For further information please contact:

Elizabeth Gracey Programme Manager

Action Ability Belfast

Belfast

BT12 7FP

Tel: 02890 23 66 77