All-Age Independent Advocacy Service - Further Market Engagement

Description

Updated 19 Feb 2026: The scope of this procurement has been expanded from Adults Advocacy to an All-Age Advocacy Service covering both adults and children across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This update supersedes earlier planning-stage descriptions. The final service scope will be confirmed following the outcome of the current phase of market engagement. Cornwall Council is undertaking early market engagement to support the future recommissioning of Independent Advocacy services, with a new service expected to begin in April 2027. We are inviting providers to participate in a series of Market Engagement Events taking place in March and April 2026. Please note: some earlier notifications referenced 'Adults Advocacy' which relates to a previous phase of market engagement. The current phase includes exploration of an all-age model; however, no final decision on scope will be made until after the Soft Market Test concludes. The purpose of these events is to gather provider insight to help shape the design and feasibility of a potential all-age Independent Advocacy model for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Engagement will explore statutory and non-statutory advocacy functions, possible delivery models, cost drivers, workforce considerations, and options for a future service structure. The programme includes an in-person introductory session on 27 March 2026 (Truro Lifehouse) and follow-up online sessions in April/May 2026. Please note: this date has been updated from the previously advertised 26 March 2026. Providers may attend any or all sessions. Event details and registration instructions are included in the attached document. A Soft Market Test (SMT) is also available on the Supplying the South West portal under Project Code DN774644. Feedback from both the SMT and engagement sessions will support the development of the Outline Business Case and future commissioning approach. Participation in all activities is voluntary and will not affect eligibility to participate in any future procurement process. These events form part of preliminary market engagement only and do not constitute a call for competition. To book a place, please email adultscommissioning@cornwall.gov.uk by 23 March 2026 with the subject line: FAO Independent Advocacy Commissioning Event Booking. Keywords: Adult's Advocacy, All-Age Advocacy, Children's Advocacy, Advocacy, Independent Visitor