Scope
Reference
CWC25014
Description
Advocacy is a Statutory Legal Requirement that Local Authorities must provide.
The legislation that guides advocacy is:
- The Children Act 1989 (Section 26(A))
- Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers - Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010.
- Fostering National Minimum Standards 1.5 and Adoption National Minimum Standard 1.4 which require that - "Children have access to independent advice and support from adults who they can contact directly and in private about problems or concerns, which is appropriate to their age and understanding. Children know their rights to advocacy.
Three Black Country Authorities (Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton) have collaborated to jointly commission the advocacy service to achieve best value. Its inception was in 2006, and the service was tendered in 2010, 2014, 2017 and 2020.
City of Wolverhampton Council,
Civic Centre,
St. Peter's Square,
Wolverhampton,
WV1 1SH
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,
Sandwell Council House,
Freeth Street,
Oldbury,
B69 3DE
Walsall Council,
Civic Centre,
Darwall Street,
Walsall,
WS1 1TP
The City of Wolverhampton Council will lead on this new tender and contract management for the duration of the contract. The three authorities will contribute equally (33.33% per authority) to fund the contract value.
Total value (estimated)
- £945,000 excluding VAT
- £1,181,250 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 1 October 2030
- Possible extension to 1 October 2032
- 7 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
The initial term will be for 5 (Five) years, with the option for 1(one) + 1(one) year extensions.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
20 May 2025, 12:00pm
Deadline for requests to participate
29 May 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Appendix A - Our Council Our Plan
Appendix B - Black Country Advocacy for CYP Service Specification
Appendix C - ITT Instructions
Appendix D - CWC23108 - Contract Terms and Conditions
CWC23108 - Invitation to Tender
CWC23108 - Market Engagement Pack
CWC23108 - Black Country Advocacy Market Warming Event Presentation PowerPoint.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
11 July 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Questions including EDI and Social Value | Quality | 100% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Wolverhampton City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVBV-7568-LBLL
Civic Centre, St Peters Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1RL
United Kingdom
Contact name: Mr Emran Salah
Email: emran.salah2@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Website: http://www.wolverhamptontenders.com
Region: UKG39 - Wolverhampton
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government