Independent Advocacy Services for Adults 16+

Midlothian Council is seeking to establish contracts for the provision of Independent Advocacy Services for Adults 16+across Midlothian.

The procurement is divided into two lots, covering independent advocacy services for adults with learning disabilities, and adults with mental health conditions, dementia or physical disabilities. The services will provide both individual and collective advocacy, supporting people to understand and exercise their rights and participate in decisions affecting their care and treatment.

Service Overview

The successful provider(s) will deliver independent advocacy services in accordance with statutory duties and national guidance issued by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA).

Lot 1 – Independent Advocacy Service for Adults Aged 16 and Over with a Mental Health Condition, Dementia or Physical Disability

Estimated Contract Value: £796,333 (excluding VAT)

The provider will deliver:

• Individual advocacy.
• Collective advocacy.
• Support for adults with mental health conditions, including dementia.
• Support for adults with physical disabilities, including older adults.
• Advocacy to help individuals understand and exercise their rights, express their views and participate in decisions relating to their care, treatment or statutory processes.

Lot 2 – Independent Advocacy Service for Adults Aged 16 and Over with a Learning Disability

Estimated Contract Value: £265,444.50 (excluding VAT)

The provider will deliver:

• Individual advocacy.
• Collective advocacy.
• Support for adults with learning disabilities.
• Advocacy enabling individuals to understand and exercise their rights and participate in decisions about their care and treatment.

Contract Information

Buyer: Midlothian Council

Deadline: 24 August 2026 – 12:00pm

Contract Value:

• Lot 1: £796,333 excluding VAT
• Lot 2: £265,444.50 excluding VAT

Delivery Length: Not disclosed

Tender Link: www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

Participation Requirements

Tenderers must:

• Hold current membership of the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) at the time of tender submission.
• Provide evidence of active SIAA membership as part of their tender response.
• Meet the financial viability requirements set out by Midlothian Council.
• Submit audited accounts (or equivalent) covering the two most recent financial years.
• Comply with the Council’s contractual terms and conditions.

Failure to provide evidence of current SIAA membership will result in exclusion from the procurement process.

Community Benefits

Successful provider(s) will be required to deliver community benefits in accordance with Midlothian Council’s requirements and work with the Council to identify initiatives that make positive contributions to people living in Midlothian.

Procurement Information

The procurement will be conducted using an Open Procedure.

The opportunity is divided into two lots to provide specialist advocacy services for different client groups within Midlothian. Electronic tender submissions are required through the Public Contracts Scotland procurement portal.

This opportunity offers specialist advocacy organisations the chance to deliver statutory independent advocacy services supporting adults to exercise their rights and participate fully in decisions affecting their lives.

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If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news