Advocacy Services for Children, Young People & Adults

Plymouth City Council is seeking a provider to deliver a single integrated Advocacy and Independent Visiting Service for residents of Plymouth. This comprehensive model combines statutory and non-statutory advocacy functions for adults, children, young people, and families. The service is divided into three distinct lots: Lot 1 focuses on children's advocacy and independent visiting services, Lot 2 covers adult advocacy services including Care Act, IMCA, and IMHA functions, and Lot 3 provides out-of-area advocacy for children and young people placed outside of Plymouth. The total estimated contract value is 7,160,000 GBP excluding VAT, with individual lot values ranging from 200,000 GBP to 4,560,000 GBP. The contract is scheduled to run for an initial five-year term from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032, with potential 1+1+1 year extensions that could extend the performance period to 31 March 2035. Evaluation for all lots is heavily weighted toward quality, with specific focus on service delivery models, safeguarding, and partnership working, while price accounts for 20 percent of the scoring. The procurement is conducted under a light touch special regime and is open to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises. Tenders must be submitted electronically via the Supplying The South West portal by 13 November 2026.