Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service

Swindon Borough Council invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced service providers for the provision of statutory, Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitor Services. The Council is seeking to award a single supplier, with a contract to provide CHILDREN’S Advocacy and Independent Visitor services (1200 advocacy hours and maintaining 18 IV relationships at any-one time).

This requirement will not be divided into ‘Lots’. TUPE does apply.

Swindon Borough Council is seeking to commission a Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitor Service to support children and young people to have their voices heard, understand their rights, and meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives. Children’s Advocacy is a rights-based service that places the voice, wishes and feelings of the child or young person at the centre of decision-making.

The service provides independent support to help children and young people understand their rights, navigate complex systems, raise concerns or complaints, and communicate what matters to them. Advocates work alongside children and young people to ensure their views are heard and represented within statutory and non-statutory processes.

Independent Visitors provide Children We Care For (Children Looked After) with access to an independent, trained volunteer who develops a consistent, long-term and trusted relationship with them. Independent Visitors offer support, guidance and positive experiences outside of the child’s care arrangements, helping to promote confidence, resilience, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

The initial contract term will be for 36 months with an option to extend for a further 24 months in 12-month increments (2 periods of 12 months) for a potential total contract term of 5 years as stated in the ITT documents. Estimated contract spend is £359,100 across the initial 3-year contract term and £598,500 across the potential total 5-year contract term.