Aftercare Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault - CPA/SPU/2961P

UK1 Pipeline Notice in respect of new arrangements for Aftercare Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault to commence 1st April 2027. UK 1 Pipeline Notice ref 2025/S 000-021969 and UK7 Contract Details Notice ref 2025/S 000-073402 refer. Funding matters have impacted on the original timetable. The intention is to replace contract CPA/SPU/2624P which was awarded on a one-year period under the Light Touch Regime. The service description based on the current requirements is: On behalf of the Local Authorities, NHS England, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire (PCC) and the Chief Constable (CC); the PCC is looking to put in place an aftercare service for victims of rape or sexual assault in the Cheshire Constabulary policing area. The minimum requirements of the PCC, NHS England and Local Authorities are for a supplier to provide a solution for all ages incorporating a full time independent sexual violence advisor and initial counselling service within a multi-agency setting for those in the Cheshire constabulary policing area who have suffered sexual violence both within and outside of the criminal justice system, including non-recent cases.

The service will need to incorporate:

• An ageless community counselling and therapeutic service for those suffering rape and sexual abuse.
• Specialist provision to meet the needs of children.
• Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service (conventional and specialist)
• Delivery of training and awareness raising

The requirements include but are not restricted to the following:

• Safeguard individuals in Cheshire from sexual violence through minimising risks.
• Enable service users to address the effects of sexual assault/rape and reduce repeat incidents/victimisation.
• Provide a support service for anyone who has issues surrounding sexual assault or rape; to offer advice, counselling, family mediation and sign posting to other specific support services.
• Support the service user though the criminal justice system, if court proceedings are involved.
• To develop a person centred plan to address the needs of the individual to reduce service user's risk and improve their mental health, safety, well-being and independence for service users when identified as need.
• To allow service users to provide feedback that is used to influence future service delivery.
• To help enable individual service users to access their rights.

The Provider must:

• Participate in MARAC as appropriate.
• Work in partnership with other service providers in the area (IDVA, Drug and Alcohol services etc.)
• Work in close partnership with local safeguarding boards (adult and child).
• Develop and work in partnership with CCG’s.
• Develop effective relationships with other local charities operating in this sector to ensure the offer for service users is consistent.
• Work within a multi-agency setting to provide a pro-active holistic service to all victims of sexual assault or violence who have been referred or self-referred to the aftercare service.
• Work in partnership with the provider of forensic examination services and crisis care for Cheshire enabling a timely and seamless provision of care for victims and the sharing of information and good practice.
• Deliver training and awareness raising to professionals and the public which contribute to local and sub-regional prevention work
• Be an active part of the multi-agency safeguarding arena.
• Deliver basic training on sexual assault and violence to practitioners in Cheshire (and refresh as required)
• Undergo training and supervision to ensure specialist knowledge and continued professional development of staff.
• Work within local guidance and information sharing arrangements.

This is a UK1 Pipeline Notice - and is for information only.