---
title: "AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-7df4fc53-0ddc-4f3d-a819-921a1a35e7a9"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-7df4fc53-0ddc-4f3d-a819-921a1a35e7a9"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-7df4fc53-0ddc-4f3d-a819-921a1a35e7a9.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-7df4fc53-0ddc-4f3d-a819-921a1a35e7a9.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "LUTON COUNCIL"
published: "2026-06-23"
---

# AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision

Buyer: LUTON COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-7df4fc53-0ddc-4f3d-a819-921a1a35e7a9

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## Summary

The procurement process titled "AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision" involves a collaboration among Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire Councils. It focuses on expanding the Approved Provider List (APL) for Independent Fostering Agencies across several regions in the UK, such as Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire. It aims to ensure suitable foster care placements to enhance children's outcomes. This process, completed under the Light Touch Regime of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, signifies the reopening of an APL initially commissioned in 2025. The procurement method used is an open procedure. The contract period spans from 6th June 2026 to 31st March 2035, with a procurement value estimated at £118,000,000. The award was concluded on 23rd June 2026, with Luton Council, located at Town Hall, George Street, Luton, affirming its role as the buyer.

This tender provides significant opportunities for independent foster care agencies registered as Good or Outstanding with Ofsted, particularly those within Beds/Herts and surrounding areas, such as SMEs. By joining the APL, these agencies can secure a stable pipeline of work and contribute to the social work and related services sector, classified under CPV code 85300000. The contracts awarded to FOSTER CARE LINK LIMITED and ST CHRISTOPHER'S FELLOWSHIP exemplify the engagement of SMEs in this sector, underscoring the competitive potential for small and medium enterprises to grow and sustain their operations through public sector partnerships. The flexibility to serve across multiple regions further augments growth prospects for agencies considering this tender.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f53f44d5-fe61-455f-a4aa-e1e2303f5b49 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 23 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 14 Apr 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 22 Jun 2026 |
| Contract period | 30 Jun 2026 - 31 Mar 3035 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £118,000,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £118,000,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | LUTON COUNCIL |
| Locality | LUTON |
| Post town | Luton |
| Postcode | LU1 2BQ |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLH East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLH21 Luton |
| Local authority | Luton |
| Electoral ward | Central |
| Westminster constituency | Luton South and South Bedfordshire |
| 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) |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 2 |
| Supplier names | FOSTER CARE LINK; ST CHRISTOPHER'S FELLOWSHIP |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 85300000 - Social work and related services

## Release History

- 23 Jun 2026 at 08:11 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f53f44d5-fe61-455f-a4aa-e1e2303f5b49

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f53f44d5-fe61-455f-a4aa-e1e2303f5b49
  23rd June 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=ba3a9e74-b718-f111-813c-005056b64545
  Advert

## Notice URLs

- http://www.luton.gov.uk

## Provenance

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