The idea is that the guidance will help providers to self- assess against the checklist and set out any plans, with timescales to meet the standards, which will then be discussed and agreed with the Contract Manager. Plans to meet the standard/s should be agreed between the Provider and Contract Manager and detailed in an action plan.

The council are now using the tool for all new tenders and existing contractors with agreements in place, for contracts with a total life value of over £5k as of 1st April 2011. Existing contractors being given six months from their contract review meeting to meet minimum standards and put in plans to meet the other standards by April 2013. Organisations with contracts/funding agreements should be meeting the minimum standards 1,5,6,8 and 11 already as part of their existing contractual arrangements. Download the standard

For more help and advice on safeguarding please contact the OCVYS team