Provision of an Independent Advocacy Service for Adults

Location

Ayr

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

Total Quantity or Scope

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.

Renewal Options

November 2030

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85000000 - Health and social work services
• 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
• 85310000 - Social work services
• 85300000 - Social work and related services

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• This is a recurring contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Performance considerations apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Staff qualifications are relevant.
• Award on basis of price.

Other 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. The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 30476. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-pr... A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: It has become clear that there is scope within the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 which applies to public contracts, to use contracts to deliver wider social benefits such as: Targeted recruitment and training (providing employment and training opportunities/Apprenticeships) SME and social enterprise development Community engagement As part of your tender response, Tenderers are requested to provide an outline of all community benefits they can offer for this contract. (SC Ref:820572)