Independent Visiting Service for Cared For Children and Young People in Cumberland

This service is being commissioned on behalf of the Children and Family Wellbeing Directorate. The Authority’s strategic outcome for the Children and Family Wellbeing Directorate is to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents. It is at the heart of everything we do.

As part of this, we are determined to deliver excellent public services with children’s social care being a vital component. Cumberland Council takes a fresh approach to the delivery of inclusive services that are shaped by our residents and communities. By enabling positive outcomes for health and wellbeing, prosperity and the environment, we will fulfil the potential of our people and our area. We are ambitious for all of our children and families in Cumberland. We want our children to live, work and play in a community where they are able to grow, thrive, be safe, have a voice and flourish.

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 for an initial period of two years with the successful tenderer. There are 2 optional extensions for up to 12 months each.

If the contract runs for the initial period only it will end on 31/03/2028. If the contract uses all of the optional extension periods it will end on 31/03/2030

The estimated total value of the contract over the total contract period (including any extension period) is a maximum value of £155,913.00, but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract.

Extensions are indicative only and the council does not guarantee these. Any extensions will be confirmed with successful suppliers.

All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT.

Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT.