Childrens Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service. Preliminary Market Engagement

Swindon Borough Council invites you to contribute to preliminary market engagement in relation to Childrens Advocacy and Independent Visitor services and would welcome the views of suppliers on the questions set out in the questionnaire. The intention is to invite supplier feedback to help shape the final specification and commercial model to ensure the tender delivers the optimum outcomes for the Council.

Swindon Borough Council is seeking to award a Single Supplier who will be responsible for supporting children and young people, ensuring that those living in Swindon (including children placed out of borough) have access to independent, rights-based support through both Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitor services.

Children’s Advocacy is a rights-based service that places the voice, wishes and feelings of the child or young person at the centre of decision-making. It provides independent support to help children understand their rights, navigate complex statutory and professional systems, and communicate what matters to them in a safe and supported way. This will include supporting children in care, care leavers, children involved in child protection or care proceedings, disabled children, and those who self-refer for help.

Independent Visitor services provide Children We Care For with the opportunity to build a consistent, trusted relationship with an independent adult who is not involved in their care planning or statutory processes. Independent Visitors offer stability, positive experiences, and emotional support, helping to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing and resilience.

The successful supplier will work collaboratively with Swindon Borough Council and partner agencies, while maintaining the independence required of both Advocacy and Independent Visitor services, to ensure children’s rights, wellbeing, and participation remain central at all times.