Hampshire County Council Contract Award: Independent Fostering Agencies
Summary
Hampshire County Council has awarded a contract for Independent Fostering Agencies to support looked-after children. The notice, published on March 22, 2026, details the call-off procedure and includes a specific award for Sunbeam Fostering Agency Limited. The contract aims to provide fostering arrangements for various needs, including standard placements, parent & child, complex behaviours, disabilities, and separated children.
What changed
This notice announces the award of a contract by Hampshire County Council for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) to support its looked-after children cohort. The contract is a multi-lot call-off, covering standard foster placements, parent & child placements, children with complex/challenging behaviours, children with disabilities/complex healthcare needs, and separated children. The primary goal is to secure local placements for Hampshire children to maintain their support networks. Sunbeam Fostering Agency Limited has been awarded a contract for standard foster placements.
While this is a contract award notice, it signifies the establishment of a framework for procuring fostering services. New suppliers can join the framework throughout its life, and existing suppliers can apply for additional lots. The contract for Sunbeam Fostering Agency Limited is valued at £0 excluding and including VAT, with an estimated start date of April 1, 2026, and a potential extension up to eight years. There is no guarantee of work, as individual placements will be made based on need.
Source document (simplified)
Award
Independent Fostering Agencies (call off)
- Hampshire County Council UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types
Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-026022
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0666e4 (view related notices)
Published 22 March 2026, 7:13am
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Contents
Scope Contract 12. Independent Fostering Agencies (call off)- Standard Foster Placements - SUNBEAM FOSTERING AGENCYLIMITED Procedure Supplier Contracting authority
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Reference
CS28607
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.
This is a multi lot call off which will 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 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.
The call off will be open across the life of the contract so new suppliers can apply to join at any time and existing suppliers can apply for additional lots. Suppliers wishing to add lots should resubmit through intend updating their award questionnaire to select the additional lot(s) they are applying for and including an additional copy of the pricing schedule which only includes the new lot(s) and is clearly dated in the title. This is to ensure there is no confusion around pricing for existing lots. The Council will endeavour to evaluate new submissions and submissions for additional lots within 3 weeks.
Contract 12. Independent Fostering Agencies (call off)- Standard Foster Placements - SUNBEAM FOSTERING AGENCYLIMITED
Supplier
Contract value
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
24 February 2026
Earliest date the contract will be signed
31 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2034
- 8 years Description of possible extension:
A further period or periods of up to four (4) years (each such extension together with any such extensions, being the "Extension Period"), up to a maximum Agreement Period of eight (8) years.
RE: CONTRACT VALUE - There is no guarantee of work for any supplier, individual placements will be made according to the process set out in the specification. While the maximum spend on this lot is £120,000,000 the Council cannot guarantee how much will be awarded to any individual supplier and has therefore set the value on the notice at £0 to reflect this
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKJ3 - Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Procedure
Procedure type
Award under framework
Framework being used
Independent Fostering Agencies
Light touch framework
Competitive selection process
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
SUNBEAM FOSTERING AGENCY LIMITED
- Companies House: 03948662
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGHB-4727-NJNV Sunbeam House 12 Waterside Drive
Slough
SL3 6EZ
United Kingdom
Email: nicolaw@sunbeamfostering.com
Website: http://www.sunbeamfostering.com
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 12. Independent Fostering Agencies (call off)- Standard Foster Placements - SUNBEAM FOSTERING AGENCYLIMITED
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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