Independent Fostering Agencies Contract Notice
Summary
Hampshire County Council has published a contract notice for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) to support its looked-after children. The contract, valued at £203,000,000, was signed on January 9, 2026, and will run until January 7, 2030, with a possible extension. This notice establishes a framework for various fostering arrangements.
What changed
Hampshire County Council has issued a contract notice for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) to provide services for its looked-after children. The contract, valued at £203,000,000, aims to establish a framework to cover standard foster placements, parent & child placements, and placements for children with complex needs or challenging behaviours. The notice was published on March 10, 2026, with the contract signed on January 9, 2026, and is set to run until January 7, 2030, with an option for extension up to January 7, 2034.
This notice signifies the establishment of a new procurement framework. Interested parties, likely existing or potential fostering agencies, should review the details to understand the criteria for inclusion in the framework and subsequent call-offs. While specific compliance actions for agencies are not detailed in this notice, they should prepare to meet the requirements for bidding on call-off contracts to secure placements for Hampshire children. The contract value indicates a significant procurement opportunity within the public sector.
What to do next
- Review contract notice details for Independent Fostering Agencies framework
- Assess eligibility criteria for call-off contracts
- Prepare bids for potential service provision
Source document (simplified)
Contract
Independent Fostering Agencies
- Hampshire County Council UK7: Contract details notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types
Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-021567
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04fe75 (view related notices)
Published 10 March 2026, 8:31pm
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Contents
Scope Framework Contract 2. Independent Fostering Agencies Other information Procedure Supplier Contracting authority
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Reference
CS26629
Description
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.
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
This list is not exhaustive and the register/framework/insert name here will be flexible to capture additional fostering requirements that may emerge.
The priority of any arrangements will 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.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Framework
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The Council will establish the framework as an overarching vehicle and will then run either multiple call offs or one lotted call off for the 5 service areas. All suppliers who meet the criteria will be awarded a call off contract, the numbers will not be limited.
Suppliers that are successful at call off will then be eligible to see referrals for the services which they have applied for. The criteria the Council will follow when making a placement will be included in the call off.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Contract 2. Independent Fostering Agencies
Supplier
Contract value
- £203,000,000 excluding VAT
- £203,000,000 including VAT Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
9 January 2026
Contract dates
- 9 January 2026 to 7 January 2030
- Possible extension to 7 January 2034
- 7 years, 11 months, 30 days Description of possible extension:
There is 1 contract extension with a maximum duration of 4 years and 0 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKJ - South East (England)
Signed contract documents
CS26629 - Independent Fostering Agencies - Overarching Terms_ (final).docx
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
BRIGHTER FUTURES FOSTER CARE LTD
- Companies House: 06846257
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVZX-6653-LCCZ Atria
Bolton
BL1 4AG
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@brighterfuturesfostercare.co.uk
Website: http://www.brighterfuturesfostercare.co.uk /
Region: UKD36 - Greater Manchester North West
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Independent Fostering Agencies
Contracting authority
Hampshire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHM-7586-PWLP The Castle, High Street
Winchester
SO238UJ
United Kingdom
Email: strategic.procurement@hants.gov.uk
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
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