Tender: Redesigning Multi‑Agency Safeguarding for High‑Risk Domestic Abuse in South Wales

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South Wales Police and partners are seeking organisations to explore and develop innovative, scalable alternatives to the current MARAC (Multi‑Agency Risk Assessment Conference) approach for people assessed as being at highest risk of domestic abuse across South Wales. The brief highlights that more than 5,000 high‑risk cases are managed annually through seven separate MARAC arrangements in Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea (around 44% of MARAC demand in Wales), with variation in governance, processes and pressures from rising demand and case complexity; some weekly MARACs may discuss about 70 cases and stakeholders have reported delays, fragmented information sharing and inconsistent processes. This Phase 1 Contracts for Innovation Cymru competition is outcome‑focused and seeks discovery and concept development rather than prescribing technology or a delivery model; applicants are encouraged to propose combinations of service design, systems thinking, operational and governance redesign, behavioural approaches, digital innovation, data, analytics and AI as relevant, and to explain which measurable safeguarding, victim experience, professional practice, service equity, system and sustainability outcomes their project will influence. Funding of up to £60,000 is available per project for up to six projects, and applicants should describe how impact will be assessed and the route to practical, scalable implementation.