URL: https://mycouncil.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=11687

Decision Maker: Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Adults

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Host provider for the new Safe Space development in Oxfordshire.

Content:       The Cabinet Member considered the Safe Space Host Provider contract which provided outreach and short stay support for adults with a learning disability and autistic adults, including preventative and crisis support.   The provision was intended to offer an alternative to admission or detention under the Mental Health Act for individuals at risk. The model had been developed in partnership with the Integrated Care Board and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, with funding split equally between partners. The contract was proposed for seven years, with a break clause at year four and a total contract value of £5,163,733.26. The proposal was aligned to a capital build programme   It was  explained that the Safe Space model would use preventative planning, outreach support and regular system oversight to keep stays short, least restrictive and focused on supporting people back into appropriate settings.   Resolved to:   a.    Agree to tender a new Safe Space Host Provider contract through a mini-competition using the Council’s Live Well Supported Services Framework Lot 2.   b.    Delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care to award and      enter into the contract following completion of the procurement         process.   c.    Delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Law and Governance, to negotiate and agree the required variation to the existing Section 75 Agreement between Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Integrated Care Board to formalise the agreed partner funding and associated governance arrangements for the Safe Space service.   d.    Note that local government reorganisation is a managed dependency and will be addressed through legal, finance, procurement, governance, contract and transition planning before contract award and mobilisation.    

Date of Decision: September 17, 2026