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 receive confirmation via the Chest and sign a contract. When the contract is signed the details for that provider will be added to the spreadsheet that placing authorities use to make referrals and this will be recirculated 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 ‘PNW Template - provider updates’ document. 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 ‘PNW Template - provider updates’ document. 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.
How do I inform you of a change in legal entity?
Please submit the ‘PNW Template - provider updates’ document via the Chest.
Do I have to submit a new tender if our company details change?
No – a new tender will not be required however we will need to vary the framework agreement and current IPA’s with new organisational detail. Please note that due diligence will be undertaken on the new organisation before novation is complete
What happens to the IPAs we have in place when we change legal entity?
All IPA’s need to be varied/modified by the host Local Authorities Legal Team
How do I remove provision from the contract?
You need to log into Chest and complete a ‘PNW Template - provider updates’ document. This should then be submitted to us via the Chest.
How often can I remove provision from the contract?
You can remove provision from the contract at any point.
What happens if I remove all our provision from the contract?
If all provision is removed from the contract then the provider will also leave the contract and will need to re-apply at the next opening if they want to re-join.
Which homes can I add to the contract?
No homes can be added that are not attached to a school. No placements will be made through the SEND FPS for residential only.
How often can I add provision to the contract?
Providers can add new provision at any time. Provision by current providers will be evaluated against the same published criteria as when a provider joins the contract. Providers will be required to submit a completed ‘PNW Template – Provider updates’ and a contract modification letter will be issued.
See the download section in the right hand column for copies of these documents.
What standard do homes on the contract need to meet?
Homes that are rated Inadequate by Ofsted will not ordinarily be allowed onto the contract. However whilst Ofsted have suspended inspection visits there is a temporary contract variation in place to allow this.
Can I submit a home that has not yet been inspected?
If a home has not yet been inspected it will be accepted if all the other criteria are met. If it is subsequently rated Inadequate it will be removed.
Can I add homes to a Lot I am not already on?
Providers will have to submit a new tender to add homes to Lots they are not already on. This is to ensure that all due diligence is undertaken.
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 maintain the required levels of insurance as per section 42.1 of SCHEDULE 1 - Service Specification and should submit insurance details when required.
42.1 The Provider shall at its own cost effect and maintain with a reputable insurance company a policy or policies of insurance providing as a minimum the following levels of cover:
public liability insurance with a limit of indemnity of not less than £10 million in relation to any one claim or series of claims;
employer's liability insurance with a limit of indemnity of not less than £10 million in relation to any one claim or series of claims;
professional indemnity insurance with a limit of indemnity of not less than £2 million in relation to any one claim or series of claims and shall ensure that all professional consultants or Sub-Contractors involved in the provision of the Services hold and maintain appropriate cover;
Personal Effects insurance with a minimum indemnity of no less than £500 in relation to any one claim or series of claims;
Vehicle Insurance Cover- the Provider and its Staff shall have in place all relevant motor vehicle insurances commensurate with the potential liabilities of the Provider relating to the operation of vehicles used for the transport of person pursuant to the IPA;
Medical Indemnity Insurance with a limit of indemnity of not less than £1 million per any one claim or series of claims.
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 periodically throughout the contract. 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.
Does this contract cover placements made before March 2021?
No placements made prior to the contract commencing are not covered by the terms of this contract.
Does provision included in the contract have to be in the North West?
No, you may submit an establishment anywhere in the UK. However, placing authorities would wish to place young people closer to home where appropriate and would only place at distance in order to meet specific needs of a learner.
Are the IPA Terms and Conditions the same as the NASS contract?
The template provided for the IPA is optional and some placing authorities may wish to use their own. The template is based on that used in the NASS contract.
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.