Integrated Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Service for Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council ('the council') has selected a preferred bidder from a suitably qualified supplier to provide an Integrated Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Service for Portsmouth

The Council will act as the lead authority and manage the contract on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This procurement relates to the re-tendering of an existing domestic abuse service delivered within Portsmouth in conjunction with the Hampshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). The new service will deliver two core elements of domestic abuse support:

• Refuge Support

• Community-Based (Floating) Support

Together, these elements will provide a coordinated and trauma‑informed response for victims of domestic abuse, their children, and, where appropriate, perpetrators. The main aims of the service are to:

• Provide client‑led practical and emotional support to high‑risk and medium‑risk victims of domestic abuse, enabling them to build the strength, confidence and skills required to move on and rebuild their lives

• Provide support for children affected by domestic abuse, including individual and group‑based support where appropriate

• Refuge Support will be delivered via Council‑owned properties. This contract relates solely to the delivery of the support service within refuge accommodation and does not cover property management or maintenance functions.

• Community Support will be delivered on a floating support basis, providing flexible, outreach‑style support to victims and families tailored to individual risk and need.

The initial three year contract is valued at £900,000 per annum. However this is funded from two sources. The Council's contribution of £657,600 per annum is confirmed for the full three-year initial term. The OPCC contribution is currently confirmed for an initial period of one year, pending a formal decision notice; however, it is intended that this funding will continue subject to approval. In the event that OPCC funding is not extended, the contracting authority reserves the right to vary the contract to reflect any resulting reduction in available funding. The total value of the contract is set at a capped amount. Any bids that come in over this amount will be set aside.

The contract term will be for 3 years with options to extend in increments to be agreed up to a maximum of 6 years.