Decision details

That a 12-month contract extension (via Contract Standing Order waiver) for Domestic Abuse Services (Refuge and Outreach) from Berkshire Women’s Aid be approved.

This contract extension enables the Council to continue to fulfil its statutory duty to provide domestic abuse services.

The current refuge contract with Berkshire Women’s Aid ends on 31 August 2021. Prior to the pandemic, a review of domestic abuse services in Bracknell Forest was planned but this was delayed. A 12-month extension is therefore being requested to allow time for this review, which will include undertaking a safe accommodation needs assessment and producing a strategy, and any subsequent procurement activity to be undertaken.

The refuge and outreach service provided by Berkshire Women’s Aid meets the needs of domestic abuse victims and their families. Berkshire Women’s Aid consistently meets the KPI’s and outcomes specified in the contract.

The current service is well established, operates effectively and there are no concerns about the quality of the service.  Productive contract monitoring arrangements are in place between the council and provider. 

To do nothing and not extend the current contract with Berkshire Women’s Aid, but this would mean that there would not be a full domestic abuse service to meet the Councils statutory duties.  This would significantly impact the outcomes and safety of domestic abuse victims and their children presenting to Bracknell Forest as homeless.

None.