Fostering and Continuing Care Framework

The City of Edinburgh Council has completed a procurement process for the "Fostering and Continuing Care Framework," a multi-provider framework agreement focused on child-centred providers offering foster and continuing care placements. This framework targets the health sector, with the area of delivery being the Edinburgh region (UKM75). The procurement followed a "limited" method, meaning no prior publication of competition was involved, and it adhered to the light touch regime under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

The process reached the award stage on 9th June 2025, with contracts signed for various lots, including Specialist/Disability, Mainstream, Short Breaks, Continuing Care, and Permanent Placements. An evaluation criterion splits 70% on quality and 30% on price, ensuring quality services for children and young people needing family-based care settings. This framework presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in the provision of foster care services, particularly those with experience in handling complex needs like emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Businesses such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are well-positioned to benefit from such opportunities, as demonstrated by the involvement of multiple SMEs such as Care Visions Fostering Scotland and Foster Care Associates Scotland Limited. Suppliers have already been selected for each lot, which included mainstream, specialist/disability placements, and continuing care services. This diversity highlights the demand for providers capable of offering a broad spectrum of foster care solutions, fostering business growth for those who can integrate into this framework effectively.

The focus on community benefits and adherence to the real Living Wage further underline the commitment to sustainable and community-centred growth.