Surrey Appropriate Adult Volunteer Service (SAAVS)

Surrey County Council is seeking to appoint a provider to deliver the Surrey Appropriate Adult Volunteer Service (SAAVS), supporting the Council in meeting its statutory responsibilities under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

According to the procurement documents, the service will provide Appropriate Adults for children and vulnerable adults who are detained and/or interviewed by the police where a parent, guardian or other suitable adult is unavailable or considered inappropriate.

The Appropriate Adult’s role is to safeguard and promote the rights, welfare and entitlements of children and vulnerable adults by providing support, advice and assistance throughout police procedures. The successful provider will also be expected to help individuals understand and exercise their rights, facilitate effective communication with police officers, and observe police procedures to ensure they are carried out fairly, lawfully and in accordance with relevant guidance.

The Council has confirmed that the Surrey Appropriate Adult Volunteer Service will be delivered on a county-wide basis, with the successful provider responsible for ensuring service coverage across the whole of Surrey.

Contract Information

Buyer – Surrey County Council

Deadline – 27 July 2026, 11:59pm

Contract Value – £1,050,000 (excluding VAT)

Delivery Length – 1 October 2026 – 29 September 2028, with the option to extend for up to a further 12 months

Tender Link – click here

Evaluation Criteria

The procurement will be evaluated using:

• Quality – 100%

Procurement Information

The procurement is being conducted using an Open Procedure under the Light Touch Regime.

The opportunity is particularly suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs)

The opportunity reflects Surrey County Council’s continued commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults by ensuring access to an Appropriate Adult service that supports fair treatment, protects legal rights, and promotes effective communication during police detention and interview processes across the county.

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