Decision details

Further to the two submissions for the advertised EOI, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, Principal and Senior Policy and Partnership officer for Victims and Vulnerability, GMCA have reviewed the documents submitted and agreed that the contract will be awarded to Dr Helen Lowey Consultancy. For the reasons set out below:

• Good understanding of the evidence base and legal requirements relating to domestic abuse provision in health care settings and experience of pulling together literature and evidence reviews in this area.
• Understands the importance of identifying best practice models and applying this to a GM footprint.
• Extensive experience of working on similar programmes/projects at a strategic level and recognises the importance of considering prevention through to treatment and management pathways when supporting victims. Clearly articulates how this programme of work could be undertaken.
• Strong understanding of strategy and commissioning considerations and partnership working including ensuring the voice of victims and survivors is included.
• Worked as a consultant advising and working with similar systems including reviews of domestic abuse provision across Local authority footprints to develop similar products to what is asked for in this EOI.
• Worked with other PCCs and their NHS commissioners on domestic abuse approaches and has experience of working with these partnerships to effect change.
• Has a strong understanding of the GM landscape including its structures, processes and networks/relationships.
• Clearly sets out what she considers to be the key requirements of the business case including the importance of a sustainable funding model and clear roles and responsibilities of the lead partners to ensure organisational responsibilities and outcomes for victims are met.

In February 2025, it was agreed that NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care (NHS GM) would undertake a commissioning review of domestic abuse provision within health care settings in Greater Manchester and this would be facilitated through seeking expressions of interest in this regard.

Following receipt of two Expressions of Interest, it has been agreed that this will be awarded to Dr Helen Lowey Consultancy to commence in April 2025 at a cost of £49,999.

The following outcomes are expected as a minimum from this work:

1. A summary of the evidence base and legal requirements for health services to identify and support victims of GBV
2. A review of good practice for provision of support to GBV victims in healthcare settings across the UK and identify how these pathways are funded
3. A review of funding and commissioning models for provision of pathways for victims across Greater Manchester in different health care settings including community, specialist (sexual health and maternity) and acute settings. (Updating information collated in 2023 mapping exercise)
4. Identify variation in pathways, hidden harm and consider ROI to implement dedicated referral pathways and advocacy support (health and justice outcomes)
5. Develop a business case outlining funding, the change required and commissioning options within the agreed timescales
6. A roadmap for NHS GMs future commitments and ambitions in relation to the GM GBV Strategy