Purpose

The Cabinet Member will consider the contract award to successful bidder following an open tender, for the provision of Statutory Advocacy Services. The contract will commence November 2026 for a period of five years, with the option to extend for a further two years. The report will also seek approval for direct awards to the incumbent providers to ensure service continuity before the new service goes live.

Decision

Decision Taken: The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health has taken the decision to approve the award of the contract for the provision of Adults Advocacy

Services to the successful bidder for 5 years with an optional extension

of 2 years, the details of which are set out in the report; the Cabinet Member has also approved delegating authority to the Executive Director, following consultation with the Cabinet Member and confirmation that the contract has met key performance targets, to extend the contract by a further 2 years.

Reason for Decision: The Council has a statutory duty to provide advocacy services to qualifying residents through all aspects of the care and support planning process and through any safeguarding processes. A procurement process took place and was completed in September 2025. The results of the procurement process are set out in the report and in the Part B exempt appendix.