Information for suppliers providing services or goods
It is important to us that we have a good reputation with our suppliers and that we pay invoices in a timely way.
To help us process invoices and ensure suppliers receive payment on time, there is some important information we need suppliers to provide, so we can reconcile an invoice with a purchase order.
Important update: New Community Equipment Provider from 1 August
Starting 1 August, our provider of social care and community equipment will change from NRS to Millbrook Healthcare.
This includes essential items such as mobility aids, hoists, and hospital beds, equipment that helps people live independently at home and supports safe hospital discharge.
Like NRS, Millbrook Healthcare is a trusted national provider with extensive experience in the sector. We’re working closely with Millbrook and our NHS partners to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible with minimal disruption for those who rely on these vital services.
The following FAQs provide guidance for residents, carers and professionals during this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions: New community equipment provider
1. I have daily living equipment from NRS. Do I need to give it back?
No – you don’t need to return your equipment because of the change in provider. Please continue to use it.
2. I am waiting for daily living equipment. Will I still get it?
Our new supplier will be fulfilling existing orders. There may be a short delay during the transition period, so please bear with us if this happens. If you have any concerns, please talk to the person who ordered the equipment.
3. What should I do if I need to return daily living equipment?
Please hold on to any equipment you wish to return for now if you can. We’ll be in touch soon with instructions on how to return items so they can be cleaned and reused to help others.
4. What should I do if my daily living equipment needs repairing?
Please call 01635 503555.
5. What if I need new daily living equipment?
If you’re assessed as needing bespoke equipment, your clinician will discuss this with you, including how long it might take and what options are available to support you in the meantime.
6. Will there be any changes to my care plan?
No. We don’t anticipate any changes to care plans.
7. My family member is in hospital; will it affect their discharge?
Through our new supplier, we’ll continue to provide equipment to support those being discharged from hospital. There may be a short delay during the transition period, but we’re working hard to keep this to an absolute minimum.
8. Can I buy my own daily living equipment?
Yes, you can. Please contact the person who recommended your equipment, who will be able to give advice on what to purchase.
9. I have pendant alarm supplied by the council. Do I need to do anything?
No – the monitoring and response service will continue in the normal way.
10. What should I do if I receive any suspicious communications asking for payment?
Please be aware that we will never contact you asking for bank details. Those delivering equipment will be in uniform, will have a badge and will contact you before arriving to clarify details.
11. I’d like to speak to someone, who can I call?
Please call 01635 503555.
Additional payments
Any additional payments required for example; transport, extra support hours, clothing will only be authorised through the Children’s Placements team once management have given authorisation of spend. Social workers do not have delegated authority to authorise spend. If additional payments are invoiced to Brighter Futures for Children there is a risk that payment will not be made or will be delayed if the authorisation for spend has not come through Children’s Placements via email. In any such case, please ensure invoices for additional/ separate services delivered are invoiced separately. In most instances a new purchase order will be required for additional services.
Exceptional emergency services
There will be some instances where services are delivered without confirmation of a valid purchase order, such as transport arranged out of hours or services received the same day as the booking. In this instance, you will be asked to give the client’s reference number and the person’s name of who booked the service on your invoice. A purchase order will be matched to your invoice separately and progressed for payment.
Invoices should be addressed to:
Brighter Futures for Children
Accounts Payable – Accountancy Services
Bridge Street
Reading
RG1 2LU
All invoices must be sent electronically to: Invoices@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
Invoices that are not addressed to Brighter Futures for Children will be returned to you.
- All invoices must include the Client ID. Failure to provide the client ID will result in the invoice being rejected and returned to you.
- All invoices must include a Purchase Order Number (unless the service you have provided is an emergence out hours service). Failure to provide the purchase order number will result in the invoice being rejected and returned to you.
- All invoices must clearly reference service dates (the period that the service was delivered) and a description of the service. For example placement cost, supervised contact session, additional respite support, transport, allowance.
- All invoices must include the date of issue. Please also provide contact details (email) to send remittance advice to and;
- All invoices must contain the supplier bank details for payment.
If you are a supplier we have not used before, you will be asked to provide a letter/statement providing your company address, contact details and banking information to allow us to set you up on our payment system to prevent delay in paying invoices.
If you are agreeing to provide a service for Brighter Futures for Children, please ensure you have all the information you need for invoicing. This information should be shared at the time of booking/ agreeing the service with you.
If you have any queries relating to payment of invoices you can contact the Access to Resources Team at: accesstoresources@brighterfutureforchildren.org
We appreciate your ongoing support in helping us to deliver our services in Reading. Thank you.