Purpose

GMCA has developed a programme of borough domestic abuse projects with Greater Manchester local authorities. A number of boroughs have opted to deliver an intractable MARAC approach, moving from an approach dominated by risk to a trauma-informed model guided by relational trust.

Detailed Evaluation
RIVA will provide specialist support and evaluation for the intractable MARAC projects, helping to test and evidence the impact of the approach, support consistency across participating areas and identify learning for wider system change. This will sit alongside, but remain separate from, the grant-funded borough delivery arrangements.

Agencies involved:
• RIVA
• Participating Greater Manchester local authorities delivering intractable MARAC projects
• Specialist domestic abuse agencies involved in local delivery
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Safer and Stronger Communities

Decision

GMCA will enter into a contract with RIVA, a community interest company, for £99,900.00 to provide specialist support and evaluation for the intractable MARAC projects being delivered across Greater Manchester. The contract will be awarded by direct award, subject to the completion of the required procurement, legal and governance processes. Contract period: January 2027-June 2028.

The RIVA contract will provide the specialist support, learning and evaluation capacity required to underpin the intractable MARAC projects and ensure that delivery is informed by consistent practice, evidence and shared learning across the participating boroughs.

This decision relates only to the contract with RIVA. The separate grant funding arrangements for the eight Greater Manchester local authorities are covered through a separate decision notice.