Tender

EDC/2025/4334 School Counselling Service

EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

17 Mar 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

East Dunbartonshire Council has initiated an open procurement procedure for the delivery of a School Counselling Service aimed at improving the mental wellbeing of children and young people aged 10 and above within East Dunbartonshire. This tender falls under the Education industry category, and services are to be delivered in primary and secondary schools across the region. The procurement process is currently at the Tender stage, with key deadlines including the tender period ending on 16th April 2026 and contract commencement on 1st August 2026. The contract, valued at £1,460,000, is expected to span until 31st July 2030, with a likely renewal process in early 2030, contingent on budget availability.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses with expertise in providing counselling services, especially those experienced in working with schools and integrating with educational systems. Service providers must consider the delivery of comprehensive 1-2-1 counselling, accessible throughout the year, with provisions for virtual consultations and robust referral processes. The contract also includes community benefits, encouraging employment and vocational opportunities, and supporting community engagement. Businesses with qualified personnel, possessing necessary certifications like PVG scheme membership and professional counselling diplomas, are well-positioned to compete. The open procedure offers fair competition, ensuring businesses with the right qualifications can leverage this opportunity to contribute to education and wellbeing improvements in the local community.

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Notice Title

EDC/2025/4334 School Counselling Service

Notice Description

East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Education Service is seeking a provider to deliver a counselling service for its children and young people aged 10 and over. The outcomes of the counselling service are to improve the mental wellbeing and resilience of children and young people living in East Dunbartonshire, following the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). The counselling service will complement existing wellbeing support and provision already available for children and young people in East Dunbartonshire schools.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Key Requirements to be Delivered: Provision of a 1-2-1 counselling service for children and young people aged 10+ Children under 12 will require parental consent to engage with the service Referral process to include self-referral supported system for children, young people and parents/carers in addition to via schools This service will form part of a range of supports to help children develop positive wellbeing within the context of GIRFEC National Practice Model A range of wellbeing issues can be discussed including stress and anxiety, low mood, family issues Provision of a school-based counselling service with the flexibility to deliver counselling via virtual platforms or telephone Counselling to continue to be available over the whole calendar year Provision and update of a personal plan and records for each young person. Provision of a service that takes account of any particular needs and details these (such as health, education, culture, ethnic background, faith, young carers, care experienced, language, sexuality, ability and any disability or additional support need). Provision of a service for all children and young people including those with significant additional support needs Promote and encourage schools to make appropriate referrals Support and encourage service users to engage with the service All conversations will be confidential unless child protection or other safeguarding concerns are identified. When such issues arise, the school child protection coordinator will be informed by the counselling service Liaison with school staff in relation to supporting well being Quarterly evaluation report will be provided and will comprise impact measure(s) including the Stirling Children's Wellbeing Scale (or equivalent) as well as progress in relation to wellbeing indicators The service provider will have experience of and a proven track record of working in primary and secondary schools in an integrated way with school staff and partner agencies The service provider will be able to integrate into existing school systems Single session models implemented (50 mins) 6 - 12 session model delivery, with room to expand if the need dictates Clear breakdown and recording of vulnerable and at-risk groups such as care experienced, young carers and LGBTQ+ Provide family sessions and interventions around supporting the emotional wellbeing of the child On site professional consultancy and advice for teachers, senior leaders, support and wellbeing staff in supporting the emotional wellbeing of the child Tailored programme of Mental Health Ambassadors for children and young people, with training for school staff to deliver Professional learning opportunities for staff teams in the development of mental health skills and knowledge Waiting times must be met within 6 - 8 weeks of referral

Renewal: Subject to budget availability this contract will likely be tendered in Q1/Q2 2030.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000826825
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR551917
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85312300 - Guidance and counselling services

85312320 - Counselling services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,460,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Mar 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
16 Apr 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Aug 2026 - 31 Jul 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
KIRKINTILLOCH
Postcode
G66 1TJ
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM31 East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire
Delivery Location
TLM8 West Central Scotland

Local Authority
East Dunbartonshire
Electoral Ward
Lenzie and Kirkintilloch South
Westminster Constituency
Mid Dunbartonshire

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR551917
    EDC/2025/4334 School Counselling Service - East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Education Service is seeking a provider to deliver a counselling service for its children and young people aged 10 and over. The outcomes of the counselling service are to improve the mental wellbeing and resilience of children and young people living in East Dunbartonshire, following the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). The counselling service will complement existing wellbeing support and provision already available for children and young people in East Dunbartonshire schools.

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