Scope
Reference
CWC25129
Description
The procurement is for the Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP) programme, under a multi-lot contract comprising:
Lot 1 - Targeted Youth Support (TYS) which is:
• Aimed at supporting vulnerable young people aged 11-18, particularly those at risk of extra-familial harm (e.g., exploitation, gangs, youth violence).
• Delivered through Family Help Teams as part of a multi-agency approach.
• Focuses on early intervention, diversionary activities, informal learning, and building resilience.
Additionally, Lot 1 - Targeted Youth Support,
• Focuses on early help and intervention for adolescents at risk.
• Is delivered by keyworkers within Family Help Teams.
• Includes informal learning, diversionary activities, and multi-agency coordination.
Lot 2 - Parental Advocacy
• Provides independent professional advocacy for parents involved in child protection processes.
• Ensures parents understand procedures, can engage effectively, and have their voices heard.
• Support is offered during Section 47 enquiries, child protection conferences, and related meetings.
Additionally, Lot 2 - Parental Advocacy:
• Provides independent advocacy for parents involved in child protection.
• Ensures understanding, engagement, and representation during statutory processes.
• Will be delivered by trained advocates with knowledge of child protection and criminal investigation implications.
The following legislation and regulatory frameworks are referenced or implied:
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - for handling and storing personal data securely.
• Children's Wellbeing and School Bill - currently in final committee stages, expected to provide the legislative basis for FFCP reforms.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004 - implied through references to child protection processes (e.g., Section 47 enquiries).
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (Statutory Guidance) - implied through multi-agency safeguarding and child protection references.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Requirements.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKG39 - Wolverhampton
Engagement
Engagement deadline
15 October 2025
Engagement process description
The City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC) is planning to host additional virtual market engagement events via Microsoft Teams and through a survey.
CWC would like to collect information pertaining to providers' current services and capabilities, as well as any previous experiences that they may have had with bidding for CWC contracts:
The deadline for completing the survey is Friday 19th September 2025.
The virtual market engagement sessions aim to gather providers' views and feedback on key areas of focus for the development of the Advocacy & Targeted Youth Support services. Commissioners will share an overview of the current service specification, discuss any prominent topics raised from survey submissions, and offer a chance for questions and discussion.
Virtual market engagement date:
•Thursday 18th September 2025 - 13:30 to 14:30
To confirm your attendance, or request further information, please email Childrens.Commissioning@wolverhampton.gov.uk, stating your name, provision details and contact information. A Microsoft Teams invite link will then be sent prior to the event.
Further details regarding upcoming engagement opportunities will be shared in due course.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
24 October 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Wolverhampton City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVBV-7568-LBLL
Civic Centre, St Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1SH
United Kingdom
Region: UKG39 - Wolverhampton
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government