Direct Payment Support Service

Newcastle City Council is seeking to appoint an organisation to provide a Direct Payment Support Service to adults, children and carers who use, or are considering using, direct payments to purchase or arrange services.

Direct payments can be used to purchase care and support service to meet the care and support needs of the person and carer.

Direct payments do involve additional complexity and responsibility for the service user and therefore many need some support and/or advice.

The Direct Payment Support Service Newcastle City Council are procuring will:

-Information and Advice

Explain the benefits and responsibilities of direct payments to Service Users

Assist with budgeting and expenditure decisions

Provide information about the range of services that provide payroll, insurance and pensions and signpost direct payment users.

-Employment Support

Provide advice on becoming an employer

Support payroll, tax, insurance and pensions

Supply employment templates

Assist recruitment and selection of Personal Assistants

Operate a matching service where appropriate

Assist with all aspects of pension auto-enrolment

Promote safer employment by encouraging and facilitating the completion of enhanced DBS

-Safeguarding and Compliance

Promote safe recruitment

Support DBS applications

Attend safeguarding meetings when required

Report and escalate risks to vulnerable adults, children and public funds.

-Workforce Development

Advise on training for Direct Payment users and Personal Assistants

Promote professional development and competency frameworks

-Other requirements

Provide advice and practical assistance on request to social care professionals when needed

Have a permanent base within Newcastle

Expected usage:

487 adults are currently receiving a direct payment in Newcastle

In the financial year 25/26 there were 315 people who used the service

This notice is for information only. At this stage, no further details are available beyond what is published here.

When this opportunity progresses, a Tender Notice will be published on the Central Digital Platform along with any relevant notices such as engagement.