Independent Financial Advice Framework

The Council manages the finances of approximately 650 Service Users. The authority to manage the Service Users' finances comes from Court of Protection deputyship or from appointeeship, usually from the Department for Work & Pensions. The Council is responsible for the management of the Service Users' financial affairs. Under the Office of the Public Guardian's Deputy Standards the Council is required to seek independent financial advice, where appropriate to maximise the return on Service Users' savings, investments and any other assets.

The Council is seeking to procure a framework with up to three separate Suppliers. The Council requires a process whereby the Supplier(s) is enabled to provide expert independent financial advice and procure relevant financial products as required. Specialist advice and support will be required for Service Users with portfolios of over £20,000. One general quarterly briefing is also required free of charge to assist the Council in making investment decisions on behalf of its Service Users with individual portfolios below £20,000.