All-Age Independent Advocacy Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about advocacy
When you look at this tender, it's easy to see advocacy as the main service.
But Cornwall Council is looking for something deeper.
They're searching for a partner who can deliver an integrated all-age advocacy model.
A service that supports people at every stage of their lives.
The contract covers a wide range of advocacy services: an Advocacy Hub, statutory advocacy for adults, services for children and young people and community advocacy.
It's not just about providing advocates.
It's about integrating services and ensuring that every person, from children to adults, has access to coordinated, accessible and rights-based support.
Think about the people at the heart of the service
Yes, you're delivering advocacy.
But remember who you're doing it for.
Children, young people, adults and eligible parents.
They all have different needs and concerns.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to know how you plan to adapt your service to meet these diverse needs.
Are you considering the unique challenges faced by each group?
How will you ensure that everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can "understand and exercise their rights"?
Pay attention to what they say
Cornwall Council spells out that this service needs to be "rights-based" and accessible.
That’s a key focus.
Your response should clearly explain how you'll provide advocacy that empowers individuals to express their views and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.
They’ve also emphasised the need for a single point of access.
How will you ensure this hub is effective and user-friendly?
Don't just promise, prove it
Evidence always beats promises.
Cornwall Council will be looking for proof that you can deliver.
Think about including:
- Case studies from similar projects
- Testimonials from service users
- Data showing successful outcomes
- Details of how you've maintained service quality in past contracts
- Examples of innovative solutions you've implemented
Show your understanding of integration
This contract is all about integration.
An all-age advocacy model isn't just a series of separate services.
It's a cohesive offering.
I'd be explaining how my approach ensures seamless service delivery across different advocacy areas.
How will you coordinate between adults, children and community advocacy services?
How do you ensure consistency in quality and approach?
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Remember, this isn't just about meeting requirements.
It's about the real impact on people's lives.
If I were writing this tender, I'd keep asking myself: "How does this make a difference for the individuals we're serving?"
That's the mindset that will resonate with Cornwall Council.
Plan for the long term
The contract runs from 2027 to 2030, with the option to extend to 2033.
Consistency is crucial.
How will you maintain high standards over such a long period?
Think about staffing, training and management.
What systems will you put in place to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation to any changes in legislation or local needs?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the importance of an integrated model
- Fail to provide evidence of past success
- Overlook the diverse needs of different service user groups
- Lack detail on how the Advocacy Hub will operate
- Don't address the long-term sustainability of the service
- Assume a one-size-fits-all approach to advocacy
- Neglect to show how you'll measure and report on outcomes
- Miss the emphasis on a rights-based approach
My Final Thoughts
Cornwall Council isn't just looking for a provider.
They want a partner who truly understands the value of independent advocacy.
A partner who can deliver a comprehensive service that empowers people across all ages.
With the contract valued at £6,416,447 and a focus on quality service delivery, it's clear that price isn't the only consideration.
Your written submission needs to reflect this.
Show them how your service will make a genuine difference.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.