Issue - meetings

Report by Director of Children’s Services

4.1  The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services regarding the Independent Fostering Agency Placement Recommissioning.

4.2  The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1. approve the re-commissioning of the provision of Independent Providers of Foster Care Services through a regional Approved List (which is a hybrid between a framework agreement and DPS agreement); and

2. delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Children’s Social Care to award providers a place on the Approved List, including all future provider applications that pass the minimum criteria.

Reason

4.3  It is necessary to re-tender these services as the current framework agreement for foster care placements will expire on 31 March 2023. In order to benefit from collaborative working with regional partners, and to build in sufficient time to carry out a fair and transparent procurement process, the process must commence as soon as possible.