Scope
Description
Cumberland Council wishes to commission a contract for an Independent Visiting Service for Cared For Children and Young People in Cumberland. Cared For Children and Young People include those in foster care, residential care, education settings and secure accommodation who:
Have had the need for an Independent Visitor identified as being in their best interests within their care plan
and / or
Requests / agrees to the service of an Independent Visitor.
Independent Visitors are adult volunteers who provide independent, one to one support to children who are cared for, to become a consistent figure in their lives when there is no one in their family/network to take on this role. An Independent Visitor is there to visit, advise and befriend a child / young person, offering them consistency, support and encouragement throughout the time they are in care and often beyond this time. All visitors participating in the scheme take part on a voluntary basis. An Independent Visitor is often the only person in the life of a cared for child / young person that is not paid to be there and is there because they want to be. This can have a significant and positive effect on children and young people and can increase their self-confidence and self-esteem.
The council proposes to enter into the contract from the 01st April 2026 with the successful tenderer. The initial contract period is from 01st April 2026 - 31st March 2028. The contract end date of 31st March 2030 is the date the contract will end if both of the potential 12 months extensions are used. Use of these extensions is at the absolute discretion of the council. Any extensions will be confirmed with the successful supplier if implemented.
The highest estimated value is £155,913.00 including VAT. This is for the initial term and the two potential 12 months extension periods.
For further details and to access the tender documents, including the service specification, please use our online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk. You must be registered on The Chest. Registration is free.
All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender (ITT).
Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.
Total value (estimated)
- £129,927.50 excluding VAT
- £155,913 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
There is the potential for two contract extensions of up to 12 months each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 September 2025, 10:00am
Tender submission deadline
6 October 2025, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Registration is Free
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
Quality 70%
Social Value 15%
Price 15%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government