National Advocacy Helpline and Safety Net Service for Vulnerable Children and Young People

The Department for Education is seeking a provider to deliver a national Advocacy Helpline and Safety Net Service for looked after children, care leavers, children in need, and other eligible children and young people across England. Key Service Components: - Provide child-friendly information on advocacy rights through multiple channels (phone, digital, etc.) - Offer advice and signposting to appropriate advocacy services - Deliver a 'Safety Net' function to provide advocacy when local services are unavailable, delayed, inaccessible or denied - Maintain an up-to-date directory of advocacy provision across England - Gather national data on advocacy demand, waiting times, barriers and emerging issues The Department is also exploring a pilot programme testing an opt-out advocacy model for children in residential care, where advocacy would be routinely offered unless declined. Feedback on the feasibility, affordability and practical delivery of this pilot is particularly welcome. Provider Responsibilities: - Operate robust digital, telephony and case management systems - Meet all safeguarding, information governance, cyber security and data protection standards - Maintain a skilled, well-trained workforce with appropriate quality assurance - Support performance monitoring and continuous service improvement - Ensure service continuity throughout the contract period