Adult Advocacy Service

Adult Advocacy Service

Swindon Borough Council invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced service providers for the provision of adult advocacy service.

Project Description

The Council is seeking to award a single supplier contract for the provision of an integrated Adult Advocacy Service. This requirement will not be divided into Lots. TUPE does apply. The contract will be for an initial period of three years, with the option to extend for up to a further two years.

Swindon Borough Council is seeking to commission an independent, person-centred and out-come-focused Adult Advocacy Service that enables people to have their voices heard, under-stand and exercise their rights, and participate fully in decisions that affect their lives. The ser-vice will support adults to access appropriate care, support and services and ensure that they are able to influence decisions affecting their health, wellbeing and independence.

Advocacy plays a vital role in promoting independence, protecting individual rights and ensuring that people can express their views, wishes and feelings. The service will support individuals who may experience barriers to participation, including people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, dementia, physical or sensory impairments, older people, and those experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability.

The successful provider will be required to deliver a range of statutory advocacy functions through an integrated service model, including:

• Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA)
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
• Independent Health Complaints Advocacy (IHCA)
• Independent Social Care Complaints Advocacy
• Court of Protection Representation and Advocacy
• Relevant Person's Representative (RPR) type role
• Support to the Learning Disability Partnership Board (LDPB) and associated engagement activities.

The Council is seeking a provider that can deliver a high-quality, accessible and responsive advocacy service that promotes voice, choice and control, reduces inequalities, safeguards rights and improves outcomes for people who may otherwise struggle to engage with complex health and social care systems.

The successful provider will work collaboratively with Swindon Borough Council, health partners, care providers, the voluntary and community sector and other stakeholders to ensure advocacy is embedded within wider care and support pathways. The provider will adopt a rights-based approach, actively tackle barriers to inclusion and ensure equitable access to advocacy services across the Borough.

The Council's vision is to commission a sustainable and high-quality advocacy service that supports people to live independent and fulfilling lives whilst contributing to the wider ambitions of the Swindon Plan and Adult Services Strategy, including promoting independence, reducing inequalities and ensuring people have "Lives, Not Services".