Integrated Advocacy Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Remember who you're really advocating for
Liverpool City Council isn't just buying advocacy services.
They're investing in a lifeline for the most vulnerable individuals in their community.
Yes, you'll need to deliver both statutory and non-statutory advocacy services.
But the heart of this contract is about empowering individuals.
Helping them to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Don't just focus on statutory obligations
It's tempting to concentrate on ticking all the statutory boxes.
After all, the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 are fundamental.
But Liverpool City Council is also looking for something more.
Non-statutory, flexible advocacy to address unmet needs.
This is your chance to show how your service can adapt and provide person-centred support for those who don't meet the formal criteria.
The importance of independence
The word "independent" is critical here.
The Council is emphasising that advocacy interventions must be independent and outcome-focused.
This means your response needs to show how you'll maintain this independence in practice.
Think about conflicts of interest and how you'll manage them.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how my service creates a safe space for individuals to express their views without fear of bias.
Pay attention to what they say
Liverpool City Council is clear about the kind of advocacy they want.
They talk about "inclusion," "equity of access," and "improved wellbeing."
Your response should map directly to these priorities.
How will your service promote inclusion?
How will you ensure that every eligible individual can access advocacy, even if they face substantial difficulties?
These are the questions to answer.
Show how you'll meet diverse needs
The Council's service users will have a range of needs and challenges.
Some may struggle with communication.
Others may have no one else to support them.
Your proposal should demonstrate your understanding of these challenges.
And importantly, how you'll address them.
Will you use interpreters?
Develop accessible materials?
Provide training for your advocates?
Evidence always wins over promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that evidence always carries more weight than promises.
So show them what you've done before.
- Case studies of successful advocacy outcomes
- Testimonials from previous service users
- Data on how you've improved access and outcomes for marginalised groups
- Examples of how you've tailored services to be person-centred
Think about long-term consistency
This contract runs for four years with the possibility of extension.
That's a long time to maintain standards.
You need to show how you'll manage consistency over the term.
What happens if an advocate leaves?
How will you ensure continuity in service delivery?
Think about recruitment, training and retention strategies.
These will be crucial to your proposal.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the end of the day, it's about the individuals who need this service.
Every decision, every process, should be tested against one question:
Does it truly empower the person at the heart of the advocacy?
If your proposal keeps that focus, it will resonate with the Council.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on statutory requirements without addressing non-statutory needs
- Fail to demonstrate how independence will be maintained
- Overlook the importance of inclusion and equity of access
- Lack concrete evidence of previous successes
- Ignore long-term staffing and consistency challenges
- Provide generic solutions that aren't tailored to the local context
- Neglect the need for person-centred, outcome-focused advocacy
My Final Thoughts
Liverpool City Council is looking for a partner to deliver more than just services.
They're looking for a commitment to improve lives.
With a contract value of £3,707,890 over four years, extendable to a fifth, this is a significant investment.
And quality will be key — not just price.
Your written submission should focus on how your service delivers on the Council's priorities of inclusion, equity and improved wellbeing.
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.