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