Resolved – That agreement be given to jointly commission with the Merseyside PCC, NHS England and Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens Council a three-year contract (1st April 2022 – 31st March 2025) with the option of two one-year extensions, within the approved budget of £250,000 (£50,000 per annum) for the provision of a Merseyside Aftercare Service for Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault.

To allow Public Health to implement the commissioning intentions for Aftercare Service for Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault as outlined in this report.

Wirral Council, through the Public Health ring fenced grant currently commission RASA Merseyside (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) to provide a Specialist Sexual Violence Counselling and Support Service. This contract is due to end on the 31^st March 2022 but has the provision of two possible 1 year extensions. The option to activate the extension was considered but this proposed joint commission provides the opportunity to pool investment with key commissioners across Merseyside to enable resources to be most effectively utilised to meet the needs of service users and improve pathways, it will also streamline monitoring arrangements for the benefit of service providers and support further collaboration between commissioners.