---
title: "AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision - MEET THE BUYER"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-ba6999d6-d3dd-48b2-9f22-20d116033aeb"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-ba6999d6-d3dd-48b2-9f22-20d116033aeb"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-ba6999d6-d3dd-48b2-9f22-20d116033aeb.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-ba6999d6-d3dd-48b2-9f22-20d116033aeb.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "LUTON COUNCIL"
published: "2026-02-19"
---

# AT1487 Independent Foster Agencies Provision - MEET THE BUYER

Buyer: LUTON COUNCIL  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-ba6999d6-d3dd-48b2-9f22-20d116033aeb

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## Summary

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.

## 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 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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8ea54781-e1dd-4d38-a925-78027b4494a4 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 19 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 23 Feb 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

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

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| 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) |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people

## Release History

- 19 Feb 2026 at 09:45 - Planning - Market Engagement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8ea54781-e1dd-4d38-a925-78027b4494a4

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8ea54781-e1dd-4d38-a925-78027b4494a4
  19th February 2026 - Early engagement notice on Contracts Finder
- https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=3c52cbae-660b-f111-813c-005056b64545
  Advert

## Notice URLs

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

## Provenance

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