Welcome and Introduction

1. Accommodation Management Services for the Commercial and Operational Managers Procuring Asylum Support Services (Compass) Friday 16 April 2010

2. Welcome and Introduction  John Fisher • Housing Options Manager

3. Current Contract ArrangementsTarget ContractProvision of accommodation and support to asylum seekers  Linda Purvis  Contract Monitoring Manager

4. Context • Initial Contract • Home Office Agreement • Provision of Support • Accommodation 2005 Project (Target Contract)  Target Contract Current Position Statement of Requirements • Working in Partnership

5. Initial Contract • Following on from the 1999 Asylum and Immigration Act that came into force on 1st April 2000, new proposals by the Home Secretary outlined the need for changes to the asylum system to ensure its effectiveness, fairness and integrity.  A radical new system was introduced by way of induction, accommodation, support, reporting and removal centres to secure a seamless asylum process which monitors and provides the appropriate measures at every stage.

6. Initial Contract - Cont • At this time contracts were awarded by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) within the Home Office to the private sector provider’s in the City. As the system appeared fragmented the Council took the decision to become more involved in the process.  This also allowed the Council to play a key role in the integration process, as well as promoting equality and diversity as part of the it’s strategic priorities.

7. Home Office Agreement • In June 2000 the Council signed an agreement to be part of the North East Consortium for Asylum Support Services (NECCAS) now known as North East Contracting Consortium for Asylum Support • Consortium entered into a contract with the Home Office to provide accommodation and support in the region • Consortium consisted of 10 Local Authorities

8. Provision of Support • Accommodation and Support initially being provided by the Council • Council underwent Stock Transfer (2001) • Asylum team transferred to Sunderland Housing Group to deliver service  Contract remained with Council   

9. Accommodation 2005 ProjectTarget Contract • Negotiations commenced for the current ‘Target Contract’ between the Consortium and the Home Office in February 2005  In February 2006 the Home Office completed their review and the Consortium was informed that their bid was successful

10. North East Contracting Consortium for Asylum Support (NECCAS) • Part of the North East Contracting Consortium for Asylum Support (NECCAS) 7 Local Authorities Newcastle (Lead) Darlington Gateshead Middlesbrough South Tyneside Sunderland Stockton on Tees

11. Accommodation 2005 ProjectTarget Contract • 2005 the Council embarked on a procurement exercise to select the future provider to deliver the service. • Clearsprings (management) Ltd (CSM) were selected to be the Council’s sub-contractor • Deliver the service to 242 service users (62 single and 180 family members).

12. Target Contract Current Position • The Target Contract runs for five years until May 2011 • Under the terms of contract the North East Contracting Consortium for Asylum Support (NECCAS) Guaranteed half of all service users dispersed to the region with two private providers responsible for the other half • No guarantee of numbers aside from this

13. Target Contract Statement of Requirements • Paid per service user per day • Dispersals are pro rata basis for Local Authorities within the Consortium • Contract Includes 13 key Performance Indicators • Could result in financial penalties

14. Working in PartnershipClearsprings(management)Ltd • Clearsprings(management)Ltd (CSM) was selected by the Council  Delivering service for the Council from 2006 Contract is for 5 years • CSM Provide • Accommodation (procured private sector) • Support

15. Working in PartnershipCurrent Service Provision • Service User details are provided by UKBA • Suitable Accommodation made by Provider  Service User is collected from pre arranged point • Support Worker takes Service User to pre inspected accommodation • Induction of accommodation and use of equipment – particular attention to safety • Occupancy Agreement signed • Provides Welcome Pack to Sunderland • Arrange 4 weekly visits

16. Working in PartnershipCurrent Service Provision - Cont  Provider assists with:  registration to GP and Dentist  Voluntary Sector  Community Centres, Faith Centres, Local and Specialist Shops • Provider ensures that partners have been informed of new arrival  Health  Education  Police

17. Working in PartnershipCurrent and Future Expectations  Council expect provider to  Consistently deliver service standard set out within the contract  Meet any Key Performance Indicators  Develop strong partnership working relations with: Council’s Asylum Team, Move-on and Homelessness Team Consortium’s Central Team Maintain a successful contract

18. Working in PartnershipAsylum Seeker Locality Planning Group (ASLG) ASLGFunction  To share information and ideas on issues and trends linked to the contract and the wider integration agenda in the City • Employment • access to services • community engagement.  To report to, and raise issues within the NE Strategic Migration Partnership structure  To promote co-ordination of activity across the City with respect to the dispersal programme, and the inclusion, cohesion and integration agenda for the City and region

19. Working in PartnershipAsylum Seeker Locality Planning Group (ASLG)  Partnership Organisations include  SCC - Housing Options Team - Children’s Services - Adult Services, disabilities and mental health - Education - Supporting People - Libraries Northumbria Police Private Provider’s Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust Voluntary Sector United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA)

20. Working in PartnershipNorth East Contracting Consortium for Asylum Support(NECCAS) • included in the next presentation Michael Ball – NECCAS Contract Manager Thank you