Decision details

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has placed new duties on local authorities to provide support to victims of domestic abuse in safe accommodation, as well as providing that all eligible homeless victims of domestic abuse automatically have ‘priority need’ for homelessness assistance. To meet these duties, it is proposed that new posts are established and recruited to within the Housing Options service.

RESOLVED - That:
Recruit 2x IDVAs

1.Recruit 2x IDVAs(Recommended): Siting skilled and targeted domestic abuse resources within the Housing Options Team will both provide dedicated support to victims, meeting the requirements of the Domestic Abuse Act, and help contribute to homelessness prevention and relief.
2.Site additional IDVAs in existing Early Help service structure (Not Recommended): Whilst the IDVA service is in high demand, there is significant overlap between residents supported by the Housing Options Team so a good business case for co-locating staff. Siting the two additional IDVAs within Housing Options will make best use of these new resources for both services, generating shared outcomes and creating a more seamless offer for victims of domestic abuse.
3.Site additional resources in externally commissioned services (Not Recommended): The Women’s Pathway, which includes the refuge, is externally commissioned. Whilst this could be considered – particularly for the Engagement Officer roles – this service is currently being re-commissioned. Due to this period of uncertainty, plus the risk of creating additional TUPE implications for providers, this option is not recommended.

2.Site additional IDVAs in existing Early Help service structure (Not Recommended): Whilst the IDVA service is in high demand, there is significant overlap between residents supported by the Housing Options Team so a good business case for co-locating staff. Siting the two additional IDVAs within Housing Options will make best use of these new resources for both services, generating shared outcomes and creating a more seamless offer for victims of domestic abuse.
3.Site additional resources in externally commissioned services (Not Recommended): The Women’s Pathway, which includes the refuge, is externally commissioned. Whilst this could be considered – particularly for the Engagement Officer roles – this service is currently being re-commissioned. Due to this period of uncertainty, plus the risk of creating additional TUPE implications for providers, this option is not recommended.

Domestic Abuse Partnership and Portfolio Holders