Wales Hate Support Centre

Description

The Welsh Government is seeking to procure a new hate crime support and advocacy service from 1 April 2027, replacing the current Wales Hate Support Centre contract that has been funded since April 2022. Although criminal justice is reserved to the UK Government, the Welsh Government is responsible for a range of devolved public services that interact with the justice system and therefore has a key role in supporting victims of hate crime.There is a strong and sustained need for the service. Hate crime recorded by Welsh police has more than tripled since 2011-12, rising from 1,809 to 5,929 incidents, and the latest statistics show a 5% increase in hate crime across Wales in 2024-25, compared with a 2% increase across England and Wales overall. Hate crime can have significant and long-lasting effects on victims, including fear, anxiety, trauma, isolation, and loss of confidence. The impact also extends to families, carers, friends, and wider communities, potentially damaging community cohesion and increasing tensions. The contract will be delivered during a period of significant legislative change, including the introduction of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which will strengthen and expand hate crime protections. It will also support the Welsh Government's commitment to improve hate crime reporting and victim support, ensuring incidents are addressed effectively and victims receive appropriate support. The Client intends to award a 4-year contract to deliver the Wales Hate Support Centre to provide free and accessible support and advocacy to victims of hate crime across Wales. The contract must also deliver a programme of training and engagement with a focus on raising awareness of hate crime and hate prevention. The contract includes an option of a 4 year extension. A budget range of £1.66m - £1.83m excluding VAT is available for the purposes of this contract and over the initial 4 year contract period. If invoked, The Client will make a further budget of £1.66m - £1.83m excluding VAT for the 4 year extension period.