Summary of the contracting process

Hampshire County Council is in the planning stage of a tender process for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) services, aiming to support children under their care. The contract, categorised under health and social work services, is expected to start on 1st April 2026 and run until 31st March 2030, with a possible extension to 31st March 2034. A market engagement session is scheduled online via MS Teams at 14:00 on 23rd April 2025, and interested agencies must confirm attendance by 22nd April 2025 at 9:00 to participate. The new contract will replace the current Light Touch framework, ending on 31st March 2026. The procurement process focusses on local placements within Hampshire, covering standard foster placements, respite, parent and child placements, as well as specialised care for children with complex requirements.

This tender offers significant opportunities for independent fostering agencies looking to expand their services within the region. Agencies with experience in delivering comprehensive care for children with complex healthcare needs, challenging behaviours, and ensuring the wellbeing of separated children will be well-suited to compete. The contract, valued at £200 million, highlights the council's commitment to securing high-quality local placements, presenting an excellent business growth opportunity for IFAs aiming to collaborate and deliver essential fostering services within Hampshire.

Planning

Independent Fostering Agencies

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Contract Timeline

Publication Date

8th April 2025 07:58:26 AM

Planning Deadline

23rd April 2025 22:59:59 PM Expired
Contract Summary

Hampshire County Council's Children Services Directorate is seeking to commission a range of IFA (independent fostering agencies) to support our looked after children cohort. Hampshire County Council currently operate a Light Touch framework under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the end date of this framework is the 31st March 2026. Hampshire County Council therefore needs to explore options for future commissioning arrangements to replace this framework. The new service will need to cover fostering arrangements for; Standard Foster Placements including Respite Parent & Child Foster Placements Children with Complex/Challenging Behaviours Children with Disabilities/Complex Healthcare Needs Separated Children The priority of any future arrangements should be to secure Hampshire placements for Hampshire children and Young People to support with their education, training, contact, and in order to maintain other existing support networks such as friends and other family members.
Contract Details

Open Contracting ID

ocds-h6vhtk-04fe75

Publication Source

Find a Tender Service

Procurement Stage

Planning

Procurement Method

N/A

Procurement Method Details

N/A

Procurement Category

Services

Tender Suitability

Framework / DPS
Contract Classification

CPV Code(s)

CPV Division(s)
Awarding Authority

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Buyer Name

Strategic Procurement

Buyer Email

strategic.procurement@hants.gov.uk

Buyer Phone

Buyer Address

High St, The Castle

Winchester

SO23 8UJ

United Kingdom

View contract on Find a Tender Service

Independent Fostering Agencies

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Contract Timeline

Contract Summary

Contract Details

Contract Classification

Awarding Authority