07 Jun Commissioning Alliance assuring quality in unregulated markets
In 2019 the Commissioning Alliance set up our accreditation scheme Setting the Standard (STS) to provide accreditation for semi-independent provisions alongside a dynamic purchasing vehicle (DPV). Semi-independent provision is used for care leavers aged between 16 – 18 and the accreditation is being used to effectively manage both cost and quality in this unregulated market. The scheme has been recognised as an example of best practice by the Ministry of Housing & Local Government and by the Department for Education.
There are currently 159 providers that have achieved accreditation status, with over 500 homes on the DPV. Local Authorities are now placing 82% of placements with accredited providers and the number is increasing each month. The cost of placements has reduced by an average of £157 per week since November 2020. This could represent an estimated annual saving of approximately £1.3m – a great outcome on both quality and price.
Building on the success of STS for semi-independent provision, in 2020 we set up the pan-London Setting the Standard accreditation service for temporary accommodation, which is used by all London Boroughs to accommodate homeless households. With physical inspections being delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team put in place interim arrangements for virtual inspections, developing positive engagement with boroughs and the temporary accommodation market.
We have now commenced physical inspections of B&B and Studio properties across 31 London Boroughs. Since mid-April, over 60 properties have been inspected and graded which represents a great start. The vast majority of properties inspected so far have been good to excellent standard, but a small number have had significant defects, including fire hazards. We are pleased to say that the landlords concerned have been very quick to remedy the defects identified by the team. With an estimated 1,700 properties to inspect in total, there remains plenty more work to be done!
Contact commissioningalliance@ealing.gov.uk for more information.