Children's Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service

Bolton Council (The Authority) is running a provider webinar for TC054 - Children's Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service at 15:00-16:00 on 19 October 2026 via Microsoft Teams. Please email corporate.procurement@bolton.gov.uk if you are interested and they will provide the webinar link. ⁠

The authority has the statutory function under the Care Act 2014, the Child Protection Children's Act 1989, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 2007 to provide:

Advocacy:

Independent of the council 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 need up to 18 (25 care leavers)

Independent Visiting Service:

Children Act 1989 (Schedule 2 Paragraph 17) and the Children and Young Person's Act (2008). Bolton Council have fulfilled this duty since 2019 by commissioning a service for all children and young people looked after 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 authority wishes to combine these under one arrangement to provide positive outcomes. The intended contract duration will be 1 April 2027 until 31 March 2030 with up to 2 x 12 month extensions.