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Open12 days left · closes 4pm, Thursday 26 November 2026

Children's Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council · Local authority

In brief

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council is looking for suppliers for care and healthcare work (North West).

The estimated value is £638,301 including VAT.

The contract runs for 3 years, up to 5 years with extensions, starting 1 April 2027.

Bids close at 4pm, Thursday 26 November 2026.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Key dates

Questions by
4pm, Thursday 19 November 2026
Bids by
4pm, Thursday 26 November 2026

How bids are scored

Quality 80% · Social Value 20%

Quality matters most. You can win without being the cheapest.

Competition

Usually high: a median of 10 bids per contract for this buyer (from 14 awards in the last 12 months).

Tender documents

What the notice says

The Borough Council of Bolton ("the Authority") is looking to procure a contract for the Children's Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service. This Procurement is being conducted in accordance with the PA23 Act using the Open Procedure under Light Touch. The Services will be split into two service streams: Advocacy An advocacy service to be independent of the Authority to avoid perceived conflict of interest, with staff trained in all aspects of advocacy with high levels of legal literacy. Independent advocacy needs to account for all types of need up to 18 (25 care leavers). Independent Visitors Service A service for all children and young people who are looked after by the authority (LAC) who wish to have an Independent Visitor, promoted particularly for those who may be isolated, live outside of their local home area, or who have limited, or no, family contact.  The contract period will be for three (3) years with the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) x twelve (12) month periods. It is intended for the contract to commence 1 April 2027. The first service stream, being the Advocacy Service, shall mobilise 1 April 2027. The second service stream, Independent Visitors Service, shall mobilise and commence during Quarter 2 on 18 July 2027. Both service streams will end on 31 March 2030.

Should I bid?

Tick what applies to you. Nothing is saved.

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
  4. Send clarification questions before 4pm, Thursday 19 November 2026.
  5. Make sure your bid arrives before 4pm, Thursday 26 November 2026. Late bids are usually rejected.

Timeline

  1. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 090172-2026
  2. Tender notice · UK4, notice 101771-2026

About the buyer

Bolton Metropolitan Borough CouncilLast 12 months

Procurements

35

Awards

20

Suppliers it has used most for care

All tenders and awards from Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

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From notice 090172-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 23 September 2026, last updated 27 October 2026. We last checked for changes on 27 October 2026.