Tender

AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision

LUTON COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

13 Mar 2026 at 09:29

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Luton Council has initiated a tender for the provision of Independent Foster Agencies, working collaboratively with Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire Councils to expand the Approved Provider List (APL). This procurement falls under the category of social work services with accommodation and aims to deliver suitable foster care placements. The procurement process is currently in the tender stage, with key deadlines set for 14th April 2026, marking the close of the tender period. The service is targeted in the regions of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas, including Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire. This is part of an open procedure, managed under the Light Touch Regime of Public Contract Regulations 2015, with a focus on improving outcomes for children in care.

This tender represents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in foster care services. Organizations that are Ofsted-registered as Good or Outstanding and can comply with the safeguarding guidance are invited to participate, making this an ideal opportunity for SMEs and VCSEs aiming to expand in social care services. The long-term contract period, commencing on 1st June 2026 and concluding by 31st March 2035, offers substantial prospects for revenue and regional service impact. Providers in related sectors who are capable of offering high-quality and timely foster placements will find this tender particularly beneficial for growth and strengthening alliances with local councils.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision

Notice Description

Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Councils are working collaboratively to re-open and expand the Approved Provider List (APL) for Independent Fostering Agencies to serve all authorities. The APL will support the authorities to deliver suitable foster care placements at the right time, in the right location and with the right support, to improve the overall outcomes for children looked after. We are seeking independent Foster Care provision must be in in Beds/Herts and surrounding areas eg Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire. Providers must be Ofsted registered as Good or Outstanding and act in accordance with the guidance contained in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and any subsequent guidance. An Approved Provider List (APL) was commissioned in 2025 and this is a re-opening of the APL to allow further providers to join. This is being procured under the Light Touch Regime under Public Contract Regulations 2015 as the original APL was procured before the Procurement Act 2023 came into force.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-6f11a9a7-f779-4016-823c-92d6f2b26bab
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/30bf8244-bd1f-4682-88f3-2a92bb2645d6
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85311000 - Social work services with accommodation

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£118,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Mar 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
14 Apr 20261 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 Mar 2035 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LUTON 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
LUTON
Postcode
LU1 2BQ
Post Town
Luton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH21 Luton
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Luton
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Luton South and South Bedfordshire

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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