Black Country Advocacy for Children and Young People

The public procurement contracting process led by Wolverhampton City Council, in cooperation with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Walsall Council, focuses on delivering advocacy services for children and young people requiring social care across the Black Country region. The awarded contract—titled "Black Country Advocacy for Children and Young People"—falls within the social work industry category and is intended to operate under an open procurement method. The contract, procured in an open procedure with a light-touch regime, officially commenced on 1st November 2025 and is set to end on 31st October 2030, with potential extensions until 2032.

The advocacy service will serve regions including Wolverhampton, Oldbury, and Walsall, and aligns with national standards set for providing advocacy for children and young people, particularly those in care, children in need, care leavers, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors. This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in social work and related services. The focus on an advocacy service ensures that children and young people have their rights respected and can actively participate in their care planning processes.

Businesses that specialise in offering advocacy, particularly those with experience working with vulnerable or care-dependent demographics, are well-suited to thrive under this contract. The contract, valued at £945,000 with further extension opportunities, offers financial and operational stability for organisations in this sector. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those with a voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) background, would find this tender beneficial given the emphasis on quality service provision and the open procedure.

The active engagement and collaboration between multiple local councils also underscore the commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for service providers.