How do I receive updates about the contract?
You will need to register for the Chest and sign up to receive notifications from Category 321100 - Social Community Care Supplies & Services – Children. All re-opening and provider engagement will be advertised through this route.
How does the FPS work in terms of referrals?
When the procurement process is complete and a provider is awarded onto the FPS they will be added to the spreadsheet that placing authorities use to make referrals and this will be circulated to the 23 North West authorities. We do not share contact details for commissioning or placement teams with providers.
How do I update referral details for my organisation?
You need to log into the Chest and complete the ‘Update referral details’ template. This should then be submitted via the Chest. An updated set of provider information will be circulated to local authorities on the 1st of each month. You must submit your template by the 20th of the previous month to be included on the circulation.
What if I need my details updating more quickly?
If there is a specific reason you need the details updating more quickly please contact us at placementsnorthwest@bolton.gov.uk. Providers have had multiple opportunities to submit accurate referral details and we will use our discretion to decide whether to circulate updates outside of the regular cycle.
Why am I not receiving referrals?
Inclusion on the contract does not guarantee referrals. If you have never received a referral please check the information you have submitted is correct. If you have been receiving referrals but these have slowed down or stopped please speak to your local commissioning team about the requirement for the service you are providing.
How do I update company contacts for my organisation?
You need to log into the Chest and complete the ‘Update company contacts’ template. This should then be submitted via the Chest. An updated set of provider information will be circulated to local authorities on the 1st of each month. You must submit your template by the 20th of the previous month to be included on the circulation.
What if I need my details updating more quickly?
If there is a specific reason you need the details updating more quickly please contact us at placementsnorthwest@bolton.gov.uk. We will use our discretion to decide whether to circulate updates outside of the regular cycle.
When do I need to provide my insurance documents?
STAR will request insurance documents on the 1st June each year. Providers will have until the 31st June to submit the documents.
What insurance documents do we need to provide?
All documents in the Supplier Questionnaire document must be provided.
What happens if I don’t submit my insurance details?
It is a contractual requirement that providers submit insurance details. If you don’t submit the documents we will issue an ISP. Any subsequent action will follow the ISP process and you may be removed from the contract.
When will finance checks be carried out?
We will carry out finance checks in June each year. Providers should be aware that if they do not pass the credit check they may be asked for initial information. Failure to provide this information may result in an ISP and ultimately removal from the contract.
What happens if I fail the finance checks?
If you fail the finance checks at tender stage and are unsuccessful we will provide detailed feedback.
If you fail an annual monitoring finance check an ISP notification will be issued and you will be suspended from the contract. You may be reinstated when you have met the finance criteria as long as you continue to have met the other contract criteria too.
What can I do if our financial rating improves?
If you have been suspended from the contract for not passing an annual finance check you can ask to be reinstated.
If you were unsuccessful in getting on the contract because you did not meet the finance criteria you will need to apply at the next opening.
Where are the notices published?
The notices are published on Contracts Finder (www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk)
What information is included in the published notices?
An example of the notice on Contracts Finder is here: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8f802707-5416-4f62-ad9b-64c6420a08dd?origin=SearchResults&p=8
How do providers on the FPS request uplifts?
We have a single North West approach to managing uplifts across all contracts. Information on this process can be found here.