Direct Payment Support Services (AACC)

Location

Description

This contract provides person-centred support to individuals managing Direct Payments or Personal Health Budgets for employing Personal Assistants (PA). Services include tailored guidance, budgeting assistance, legal and employment advice, and provision of customisable templates such as contracts and job descriptions. Ensuring data protection compliance and promotes safe recruitment practices, including DBS checks and eligibility verification. To support PA training, dispute resolution, and access to additional services like payroll and insurance. It facilitates recruitment through its PA Pages platform and works collaboratively to shape local policy. The service is to be flexible, accessible, and committed to continuous improvement and innovation in Direct Payment support.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

To ensure continuity of essential services-including access to funds, payroll, employment support, and mandatory PA training-a full procurement exercise is not feasible within the limited timeframe available. The ICB proposes engaging Independent Lives under a temporary arrangement to take on clients and expand coverage across Sussex. This service was expanded from West Sussex to include new clients from East Sussex and Brighton and Hove areas from 1 October 25. This interim solution will remain in place for 26 months, allowing time to align service specifications, complete market engagement, and respond to strategic changes including the merger of Surrey and Sussex ICBs. This waiver is necessary to maintain service continuity, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities during a period of transition and strategic review. The Transparency Notice has been endorsed by the NHS Sussex ICB Chief Executive Officer. The Standstill Period will expire at midnight on 11th December 2025. Any challenges in regard to this transparency notice must be emailed to robert.kitt1@nhs.net no later than midnight on 11th December 2025.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **