Independent Fostering Agencies

Hampshire County Council has completed an award process for the procurement of services from Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) to support its Children Services Directorate. The council is seeking providers to assist with standard foster placements, parent and child placements, and care for children with complex needs, among others. This comprehensive framework, underpinned by the Procurement Act 2023, operates within a "light touch" regime, and employs an open procurement method.

It is designed to establish call-off contracts with suppliers identified as capable of meeting various fostering needs. The contract period begins in January 2026 and can extend until January 2034, with the aim to prioritise placements within Hampshire to ensure the continuity of children's education and personal networks. The contract, valued at £203 million, has been open for the submission until November 2025.

This tender offers considerable opportunities for fostering agencies to expand their operations by joining a significant framework agreement. Businesses with Ofsted ratings of "Good" or "Outstanding" are well-positioned to compete and will benefit from consistent referrals based on the Council's specific service criteria. Large fostering agencies such as Action for Children, and SMEs including Blue Sky Fostering Limited, have been identified as suitable suppliers, demonstrating the potential for diverse business growth.

The arrangement encourages providers who wish to increase their footprint in Hampshire by enabling them to add branches or offices during the framework's lifespan. This approach not only supports fostering agencies in scaling their operations but also enhances their market share within the sector, offering sustained avenues for revenue and service expansion.