Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a provider to deliver its Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service, supporting children and young people who need independent representation or a trusted adult relationship. The procurement will be conducted under the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), using an open competition under the Light Touch Regime.

The contract covers two service streams: independent advocacy for children and young people up to age 18, including care leavers up to age 25, and an Independent Visitors Service for looked-after children who would benefit from additional support and companionship.

Service Requirements

The contract is divided into two service streams.

• Advocacy Service: An independent service that operates separately from the Council to avoid perceived conflicts of interest. Staff must be trained in all aspects of advocacy and demonstrate high levels of legal literacy. The service must account for the needs of children and young people up to age 18, including care leavers up to age 25.
• Independent Visitors Service: A service for looked-after children and young people who wish to have an Independent Visitor. Particular emphasis should be placed on promoting the service to children who may be isolated, live outside their local home area, or have limited or no family contact.

The Advocacy Service is scheduled to mobilise from 1 April 2027. The Independent Visitors Service is scheduled to mobilise and commence on 18 July 2027. Both service streams are expected to continue until 31 March 2030.

Contract Information

• Buyer: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Reference: TC054
• Contract type: Services
• Procurement procedure: Below-threshold open competition under the Light Touch Regime
• Estimated total value: £638,300.92 including VAT
• Contract location: Greater Manchester, North West England
• Initial contract period: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030
• Possible extension: Up to two additional 12-month periods, potentially extending the contract to 31 March 2032
• Enquiry deadline: 19 November 2026 at 4:00pm
• Tender submission deadline: 26 November 2026 at 4:00pm
• Electronic submission: Yes
• CPV classification: 85000000 – Health and social work services

Tender documents and submission: Access the opportunity through The Chest procurement portal.

Supplier Requirements

Bidders must confirm that their organisation is aware of and complies with the specified national standards:

• National Standards for the Provision of Children’s and Young People’s Advocacy Services.
• The National Independent Visitor Standards document referenced in the tender notice.

The notice states that providers answering “No” to the standards question will not be considered further.

Providers must also confirm that they can establish a Bolton-based office within the borough boundary, with accessible links for staff and service users, and that they can mobilise the contract for the 1 April 2027 commencement date. Providers answering “No” to this requirement will not be considered further.

Bidders should review the full tender documents to confirm the evidence and other requirements needed to demonstrate compliance.

Evaluation Criteria

The published award criteria are:

• Quality: 80%
• Social Value: 20%

The notice does not provide further detail on the scoring methodology in the information supplied.

Commercial Relevance

This opportunity may suit organisations experienced in children’s advocacy, independent visitor programmes, safeguarding and support for looked-after children and care leavers. However, the requirement for a Bolton-based office within the borough is a key participation condition, so providers should confirm that they can meet the location and mobilisation requirements before investing time in a bid.

The separate mobilisation dates for advocacy and independent visitor services should also be factored into delivery planning.

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