Planning

Provision of an Independent Advocacy Service for Adults

  • South Ayrshire Council

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-037770

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0559f3

Published 7 July 2025, 1:45pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

South Ayrshire Council

County Buildings, Wellington Square

Ayr

KA7 1DR

Email

procurement@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Telephone

+44 3001230900

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKM94 - South Ayrshire

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/procurement/

Buyer's address

https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00405

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

one.5) Main activity

General public services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Provision of an Independent Advocacy Service for Adults

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 85000000 - Health and social work services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

South Ayrshire Heath and Social Care Partnership requires a high-quality Independent Individual and Collective Advocacy Service in South Ayrshire for adults ages 16 years and over

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
  • 85310000 - Social work services
  • 85300000 - Social work and related services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKM94 - South Ayrshire

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

South Ayrshire Heath and Social Care Partnership requires a high-quality Independent Individual and Collective Advocacy Service in South Ayrshire for adults ages 16 years and over that is:

- Independent and professional

- Provides individual (one-to-one) advocacy that is issue focused

- Provides collective (group) advocacy that is issue focused

- Provides instructed and non-instructed advocacy

- Meets statutory requirements and Scottish Government priorities

- Provided by skilled and appropriately trained advocates

The service will follow the Independent Advocacy Guide for Commissioners and will serve persons who require advocacy under the Adults With Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. The service will also include adults seeking advocacy under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 who are:

- People with mental health conditions

- People with learning disabilities

- People with Neurodivergent Conditions, including Autism

- People with dementia

The service will also cover generic advocacy for adults.

Individual Advocacy – is also known as one to one, professional or issue-based advocacy. It is provided by paid and unpaid advocates. An advocate supports a person to represent their own interests and represents the views of the person if the person is unable to do this themselves. The advocates provide support on specific issues, and provide information, but not advice.

Collective (Group) Advocacy – A collective voice can be stronger than that of an individual. Being part of a collective advocacy group can help reduce a person’s sense of isolation when raising a difficult issue. The group may campaign on an issue.

This service will also include advocacy for persons connected with the Alcohol and Drug Partnership, with workers providing advocacy to this group based on their own lived experience.

two.2.14) Additional information

This PIN is a request for information, the responses from this PIN will help the Council to understand the number of Providers who may be interested in bidding for a potential Contract.

If you are interested in the above requirement, please complete the attached expression of interest form and return, by email to procurement@south-ayrshire.gov.uk by Friday 5th August 2025.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

15 September 2025


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

If you are interested in the above requirement, please complete the attached expression of interest form and return, by email to procurement@south-ayrshire.gov.uk by Friday 5th August 2025.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=803611.

(SC Ref:803611)