Children's Rights Advocacy and Independent Visitors Services

Herefordshire Council is planning a competitive procurement for two separate children's services: the Children's Rights and Advocacy Service and the Independent Visitors Service. The procurement will use the open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 with Light Touch Regime flexibilities. The Children's Rights and Advocacy Service helps children and young people understand and exercise their rights, ensuring their voices are heard and represented. The Independent Visitors Service provides children and young people in care with access to a consistent, independent, and trusted adult relationship that supports their wellbeing and resilience. Both are statutory services supporting vulnerable children and young people accessing Herefordshire's social care services, whether placed within or outside the county. The Council will procure these as two separate contract lots, allowing providers to bid for either one or both services, maximizing competition and encouraging diverse provider participation.