Joint or Separate Delivery of Digital Directory Platform/Microenterprise Support Services

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All dates and values within this market engagement are indicative.

Scope of Services

A. Digital Platform and Mobile Application

Service: Provision, support, and ongoing development of a secure digital platform and a mobile application to connect people, communities, and organisations, enabling access to and management of Community Microenterprises (CMEs). Our preference is for a Cloud solution with all components of the solution held within the Cloud platform. All solution components must pass the Councils Cyber Security questionnaire. Access and data must be secure and meet all our data protection requirements.

The web solution must comply with all current web browsers, full client and mobile. The mobile solution must support IOS and Android.

Desirable features:

• Online publicly searchable directory platform and app for Microenterprise discovery, engagement, and management.
• Ability for members of the public to contact the Microenterprises directly via the website, email and/or app.
• Ability for Microenterprises to set their coverage area via a variety of methods, and for areas to be a searchable field for members of the public.
• Support for digital payments and business administration.
• Integration with local authority systems for care brokerage, or ability to broker packages of care via the platform.
• In-platform option for Microenterprises to complete enhanced DBS checks and purchase relevant insurance.
• Ability for Local Authority to control the content of listings and approve/remove Microenterprises.
• Ability to provide the directory content, including static furniture items, in Welsh.

B. Community Micro-Enterprise Development

Service: Support for the development, recruitment, and sustainability of local micro-enterprises in adult care and support. Expansion is currently being considered for a Microenterprise model for supporting children and young people, and to deliver daytime opportunities for learning disabled people.

Desirable features:

• Outreach, advice, and guidance for new and existing Microenterprises delivered individually and in group settings within local communities.
• Organise and/or deliver relevant training, quality assurance, and compliance support for Microenterprises, evidenced by completion of a quality development programme.
• Engagement with local people, community organisations and Council department to foster community engagement and capacity building.
• Data processing and safeguarding in line with GDPR and local authority requirements.
• Create strong working relationships with relevant Council officers and supporting the development of the project.
• All support must be available in Welsh.

The key objectives currently provided by the service are:

• Recruit and develop Community Microenterprises (CMEs) from within communities, capable of providing care and support to local people- impact on local jobs/ local economy/community wealth building.
• Support them to understand regulation/ legislation and meet agreed quality standards.
• Link them together in a local network so they can support each other and coordinate their resources.
• Help them to establish links with referrers and customers so they can market their business.
• Work in partnership with the brokerage service at RCT Council to facilitate matching of suitable individuals with Microenterprises.
• Provide a network as a vehicle for recruiting and support other enterprises who may emerge in the future.
• Employ a single coordinator or ‘Catalyst’ to help local residents turn their ideas for care into Microenterprises. The Catalyst will work towards building good relationships with citizens and the local area.

The key outcomes to be achieved is for 3-5 Microenterprises to complete the development programme per quarter, allowing them to offer their services in RCT, with the same number starting the programme per quarter.