General public services

Tender description

Fife Council requires a service provider to provide services to the authority for Independent advocacy services for a period of 3 years, from October 2018 to September 2021. Professional advocacy and collective advocacy is required to be provided to vulnerable people, aged 16 and over, who are affected by disability, chronic illness or mental disorder, and who are unable to safeguard their own well-being, rights, care or other interests. Professional advocacy is defined as the provision of specialist knowledge of the legal, health and welfare systems, and the ability to use this expertise to represent an individual’s view and interests, and assist the individual to get the point across as effectively as possible. Collective advocacy is defined as providing support and advice to a group of people with the same issue or concern. This may be a specific issue-based group, or an on-going support network. Advocacy services are designed to empower individuals to express their views, needs and decisions. Where appropriate, it involves speaking on behalf of individuals who are unable to do so for themselves. In doing so, advocacy services help protect and safeguard the rights and interests of those who are vulnerable or discriminated against, and ensure that their rights and opinions are fully considered. The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 includes a legal requirement to provide independent advocacy services. This contract will help ensure that NHS Fife and Fife Council meet their statutory obligations, but it will also provide advocacy for a wider group of vulnerable people. The role of this advocacy service is to provide a combination of professional advocacy and collective advocacy. The advocacy services provided must be independent, as defined by the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.