WP4181 Contract for the delivery of Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation with Intensive Housing Management/Support

Walsall Council is seeking to commission a service provider to deliver Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The Council currently provides an 8-unit refuge (self-contained accommodation) alongside 19 dispersed units located within the community. Through this commissioning process, the Council is particularly interested in exploring opportunities to increase the provision of self-contained accommodation, as this model has been shown to improve outcomes for service users. Self-contained accommodation can better support a wider range of needs, including families with older male children, as well as individuals from protected characteristic groups, who may otherwise face barriers in accessing traditional refuge provision. Refuge accommodation will be required to have on-site staff presence to ensure appropriate support and safeguarding for residents. The exact staffing arrangements, including hours of on-site provision, can be determined by the Service Provider as part of their proposed service model, provided that residents receive safe, responsive, and effective support. Walsall Council is keen to engage with experienced providers to understand the range of possible delivery models, innovative approaches to accommodation and support, and the potential capacity within the market. Feedback received through this PME will help inform the Council's future commissioning approach and the design of the service delivery model. Please note that this exercise does not form part of a formal procurement process and does not commit the Council to undertaking a procurement exercise at this stage. Any information provided by organisations will be treated in the strictest confidence and will be used solely to inform the Council's commissioning considerations. Information shared will not be disclosed to other organisations or potential bidders should a formal tender process take place in the future.