Decision details

To approve the Direct Award of an Out of Hours Domestic Abuse Telephone Support Service to Swindon Women’s Aid Charity through negotiation using Reg 32(2)(c) of Directive 2014/24/EU

Following a current review of our service provision for domestic abuse, it has identified a gap in out of hours support.

This has been compounded by the COVID-19 outbreak which has highlighted a reduction in local reporting.

Social distancing and lock down imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 has identified a potential risk to victims of domestic abuse sharing the same home with the perpetrator. The current service offer in Wiltshire operates a help desk from 9 am–5pm, there is no local provision available after this time.

Research has identified that other local authority areas including Swindon Borough Council provide an out of hours service to those individuals impacted (either directly or indirectly) by domestic abuse. Providing support and advice and where necessary helping the victim and their families to a place of safety. This service is offered from 5pm to 9am daily, including bank holidays.

Wiltshire would like to utilise this existing service structure and combine resources with Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Women’s Aid (the provider) by offering a direct award to Swindon Women’s Aid.

This service will be trialled for a period of three months. During that time the service will be evaluated. An options paper will be produced with an outline of the next steps, summarising recommendations for the future delivery of the service.

The total sum of £16,225 has been allocated against the vulnerabilities cell response to COVID-19.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Yes

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Yes

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): No

Consultation with local members (as appropriate):No

Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local councillors and area boards in decisions about local services: Yes

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes

Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of consultation with the public: No

Range of options available: No

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes

Evidence of due regard having been given to the Public Sector Equality Duty: Yes

Risk assessment Yes:

Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors:Yes

Regional or national guidance from other bodies:Yes

The council’s constitution: Yes

This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature process:Yes

The current Wiltshire provider of Domestic Abuse services was consulted regarding this extra provision as it is not in their existing contract to deliver, but are unable to mobilise at short notice.