Planning

AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision - MEET THE BUYER

LUTON COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Feb 2026 at 09:45

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire Councils have initiated a procurement process to expand their Approved Provider List for Independent Fostering Agencies. The process, in the planning stage since 19th February 2026, focuses on providing welfare services for children and young people across regions such as Beds/Herts, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire, with the final engagement date set for 23rd February 2026. The councils aim to improve outcomes for children with effective foster care placements supported by Ofsted registered providers rated Good or Outstanding. A 'Meet the Buyer' event is scheduled for potential bidders on 24th February 2026, organised by Luton Council.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses in the welfare services sector, particularly independent fostering agencies willing to expand in the targeted regions. The procurement's £118 million valuation underscores substantial growth potential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). Qualified businesses meeting the compliances, such as Ofsted registration and adherence to Safeguarding Children guidelines, can leverage this opportunity to establish new partnerships with the councils, enhancing service delivery and fostering community welfare.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision - MEET THE BUYER

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 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. If you would like to attend the Meet the Buyer Microsoft Teams event on 24th February 2026 from 10.30-11.30am, please email Caroline.sturman@luton.gov.uk and you will be sent an invite. Please note if you are already a member of the APL you do not need to re-apply.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-ba6999d6-d3dd-48b2-9f22-20d116033aeb
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8ea54781-e1dd-4d38-a925-78027b4494a4
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people

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
19 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
23 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
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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