Action for Children Awarded Barnet Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitor Services Contracts

The London Borough of Barnet has awarded both lots of its Advocacy and Independent Visitor Service contract to Action for Children, securing the delivery of two statutory services that support children and young people across the borough.

The procurement covered two separate lots. Lot 1 is for the provision of an Advocacy Service for Children in Care, children subject to Child Protection plans, Care Leavers and young people in Kinship Care. Lot 2 covers the Independent Visitors Service, which recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to build long-term, trusted relationships with children in care, providing consistent companionship, positive role modelling and opportunities to broaden their experiences.

Together, the services are intended to strengthen children’s voices, promote their wellbeing and ensure access to independent support where it is most needed.

The Advocacy Service contract has been awarded with a value of £571,428.54 excluding VAT (£685,714 including VAT) and is expected to run from 5 August 2026 until 4 August 2032.

The Independent Visitors Service contract has been awarded with a value of £288,000 excluding VAT (£345,600 including VAT) and is expected to run from 12 August 2026 until 4 August 2032.

The procurement was conducted using the Open Procedure under the Light Touch Regime. The Advocacy Service attracted five tenders, with four suppliers progressing to the final assessment stage, while the Independent Visitors Service received four tenders, with three suppliers reaching the final stage.

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