Outcomes, outcomes, outcomes!(and how contracts contribute to achieving this)

Jenny Hopes

Contract & Commissioning Manager

Stockport CYPD

Intro

Context – 16+ developments in Stockport

Why the Contract will benefit the Region, LAs, Providers and Young People

Key bits ‘n bobs from the Contract

Implementing the Contracts

Leaving Care Services in Stockport (Context)

The 16+ market is a big area of development in Stockport. We are:– Developing an accommodation commissioning

strategy for vulnerable 16-18 year olds– Tendering for a supported accommodation

scheme– Getting to know the local market better

Context

We use block-contracts for services that we pilot or tender

– Supported accommodation for 16-18 year olds– Children’s Homes– Respite

We use regional spot-purchase contracts where we are buying a placement for one child or sibling group

– Children’s Homes (5-18)– Foster Care (0-18)– And from today, Leaving Care Services!

Why Leaving Care is different

Small (but growing!) market

No national minimum standards

Not regulated by Ofsted

Not previously accredited by PNW – but you can now register on PIMS (http://www.placementnorthwest.org.uk/pims.html)

Previously no regional contracts - But that is about to change…!

The NW Leaving Care Contract

The contract was developed by LA Contract Officers and Provider Representatives

It can be used by all LAs in Placement North West when making placements for individual

young people (spot-purchase)

Why Contracts are Important – Legally

A contract is an agreement between two parties that is binding in law

The Council retains the ultimate responsibility for the outcomes of individual

young people, even when they are placed externally

Why Contracts are Important - Safeguarding

• Safeguards the Young Person, Provider and the Council

• Clear expectations of a Provider in relation to:• Placement outcomes • Safeguarding, health & safety policies• Recruitment practices• Levels of insurance

• Provides minimum expected standards & quality • Can identify Providers who don’t meet these standards • Transparent and equitable: Providers will be treated the

same• Poor practice identified by regional and LA monitoring

Terms and Conditions (T&Cs)

Signed by the Provider & LA once; then it remains in place for all placements made

It tells you what stuff you are responsible for:– 9.1 “The Provider shall give the Purchaser notification as soon as

reasonably possible of any matters affecting the sustainability or provision of the Service “

– 11.8 “The Provider shall ensure that all … Staff whose duties involve access to Young People, vulnerable persons or other members of the public … are subject to enhanced CRB checks”

It tells you want stuff we are responsible for – 6.3 “The Purchaser shall … share accurate and current information on the

Young Person with the Provider [when referring a YP].– 19.2 “The Purchaser shall pay the Price and, where applicable, the

Additional Services Fee .. within 30 days of receipt of the correctly submitted, undisputed invoice “

T&Cs – The Key Bits

Regulatory Compliance / Legislation – Legislation and National Policy to be followed

Service Setting– What facilities you must supply

Termination of Placements – In the case of absences– Periods of notice for planned moves

Recruitment, Selection & Vetting of Staff– Minimum expectations (e.g. enhanced CRB)

Minimum levels of insurance

Outcomes Specification

Outcomes we expect from all placements so Care Leavers can achieve the ECM outcomes

– 2.1 The young person is able to live amiably within the community.

– 3.1 The young person positively engages with employment, vocational education or training.

– 4.1 The young person manages household tasks in an appropriate manner and has a sense of pride in their ability to look after their home

Service Specification

Support and services to be provided to YP

– 5.4 The Provider shall assist the Young person in managing his/her financial affairs with the intention that the Young person shall be able to manage his/her finances without assistance at the conclusion of the Service.

5.5 Staff must discourage the young person from engaging in substance abuse, smoking and drinking and has access to information about personal relationships and sexual health commensurate with their level of understanding.

Individual Placement Agreement (IPA)

Completed by LA in consultation with the Provider

Details – Expected placement outcomes for individual young

people– Additional services that may be required – Key contacts e.g. Social Worker, Placement Officer– The agreed cost– When and how you’ll be paid– Any additional requirements (not in the Contract)– Paperwork that you should have received

Financial Schedule (Core Cost Spec)

Clarifies what costs must be covered in all placements and cannot be charged as extras

This helps LAs to know what costs are included in placements, thus reducing disputes over the cost of ‘additional’ services– Transport– Clothing– Support to develop life skills / independence skills

Implementation

LAs will start to use is straight away

Briefing & training Social Work and Placement staff to use the Contracts