For the avoidance of doubt this is not a Call for Competition, this is to facilitate market engagement and soft market testing.

The council is seeking responses from the independent marketplace about their ability to provide Support for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children.

The provision of a Community Independence & Integration Support Service for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children (UASC) comprising of the following key elements: • Specialist UASC Hub - multi-faceted central point • UASC Community Education & Training Service The Service shall work with UASC in foster care, residential placements, supported accommodation and living independently.

The Service Hub will have a base in Newcastle-under-Lyme and will also offer support for UASC both on a countrywide basis including London via their digital/outreach offer.

The Provider will be responsible for designing the staffing structure and arrangements to allow for flexible and non-prescriptive delivery and to meet the required demand.

The Provider will be required to develop a tailored package of support with the UASC group to enable creative solutions to meet their needs and improve outcomes.

The skills expected from staff and volunteers will include, but not limited to, the following: • Be experienced and sufficiently skilled in working with vulnerable UASC • Being able to respond promptly and confidently to safeguarding concerns • Providing support and challenge to UASC group • Assertiveness and persistence • Building trust and respect • Empowering and enabling UASC group • Solution focused practice • TUPE may apply The maximum indicative contractual amount is £630,000 (tbc) for a period of 4 years.

Market Engagement Event Commissioners will be holding a Market Development Provider Event that will take place via MS Teams on 6th July 2021 9.30am to 12.30pm.

By attending, Providers will have the opportunity to be part of shaping the vision for the future service.

Providers will also have the opportunity to contribute to the thinking of commissioning arrangements and understanding the procurement timeline and process moving forwards.

We hope you will be interested in attending this event.

Please could you confirm attendance before 25th June 2021 by emailing details of your name, organisation, job title and contact email address to : Claire Kirk, Commissioning & Development Support Officer Email: claire.kirk@staffordshire.gov.uk We will then share the Microsoft teams link for you in readiness for the event on 6th July 2021.

Please note: • All volumes and values are indicative and subject to review and update at any time. • The council may choose to explore alternative arrangements.

We also recommend you register on the Council's e-tendering system https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login ESTIMATED CONTRACT START DATE: 1st April 2022 GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE: Country Wide Support, with premises based in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire.