The Isle of Wight Council (the Authority) shall be commencing a procurement process in early July 2021 for the provision of Sensory Services. The new contract shall commence on 1 April 2022.

Before commencing the procurement process, the Authority would like to take the opportunity to invite suppliers to review the current service specification and to provide comments/feedback to help shape the future service.

Suppliers will have until 14:00hrs on 10 June 2021 to provide any comments and feedback on the service specification.

About the services:

We are offering an exciting opportunity to provide a dynamic and inclusive support service for people with sight, hearing and dual sensory impairments on the Isle of Wight. This service will support people to live independent lives and reduce social isolation. By combining all sensory service provision through one provider we are seeking to reduce duplication and make it easier for people living with multiple sensory impairments to build on their strengths and access targeted support which meets their needs. The service will promote independence by providing access to a wide variety of support and resources. The aim of the service is to empower people to lead full and active lives.

This new service will be responsible for delivering the council’s statutory duties to undertake specialist assessments of need and to maintain local sensory loss registers. Assessments of need will be holistic, outcome focused and person centred, undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced staff. The option for a carer’s assessment will also be offered when appropriate. The provider will work with the Isle of Wight Council to develop a process for maintaining accurate local sensory loss registers.

The service provider will work in partnership with local agencies and organisations across the wider health, social care, community and voluntary sector to support the smooth transition between support arrangements and to ensure that people are connected to the right support within their local community. It will also support the development and maintenance of self- help groups and forums and will be delivered in a flexible way that accommodates people’s work and lifestyle needs.

An open referral system is required enabling self-referrals, referrals from family members, health and social care staff and from other local agencies. There must be a variety of accessible options for contacting and communicating with the service including telephone, text, email and British Sign Language. The service must be provided 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday but will also work in a flexible way to accommodate the needs of the people it supports.