Independent Advocacy

Cornwall Council is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for the "Independent Advocacy" project within the health and social work services industry category, specifically targeting services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project aims to establish future commissioning approaches for Independent Advocacy, including an all-age model that encompasses Adults Advocacy, Children and Young People's Advocacy, and the Independent Visitor Service. Suppliers are encouraged to engage in the process by responding to a written Soft Market Test due by 16:00 on Wednesday 11 March 2026, accessible via the ProContract procurement portal.

Furthermore, engagement events, including in-person and online workshops, are scheduled throughout March and April 2026 to gather supplier insights. The indicative start date for the contract is 31 December 2026, with final timelines to be confirmed after the approval of the Council’s Outline Business Case. This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in health and social services, especially those proficient in advocacy services, to influence future service models and potentially participate in substantial contracts worth GBP 4,000,000.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) specially tailored to deliver advocacy and related social services are well-suited to engage in this consultation and subsequent bidding processes. Businesses with capability in forming partnerships or consortia are highly encouraged to contribute their expertise, as discussions will focus on collaborative delivery models. Overall, participating in this preliminary stage could position suppliers favourably for any future competitive tendering processes by providing valuable feedback to the Council and showcasing their capabilities.