Provider engagement - Provision of Fostering Agency Placements Flexible Agreement Blackburn, Blackpool, Cumbria and Lancashire

Purpose of the Virtual Engagement Event

Blackburn, Blackpool, Cumbria and Lancashire (BBCL) have been involved in a project to improve regional foster care sufficiency. As part of this project, BBCL are intending to carry out a procurement exercise establish a flexible agreement for the commissioning of fostering placements by the four authorities. The flexible agreement will be a list of approved Independent Foster Care Providers. Providers can apply to be on the Flexible Agreement every three years. The purpose of this virtual engagement is to highlight the activity that has occurred to date and what the authorities are planning for the procurement exercise. There will also be an opportunity to ask and answer questions. Independent Foster Care Providers should attend so that they are fully informed of the authorities' plans and what they, as potential tenderers, will need to do.

It is intended that the Flexible Agreement will be split into the following Lots:

Lot 1 Mainstream Foster Care. The provision of foster care placements for children and young people aged 0-4, 5-10, 11-15, 16+ and Parent and Child placements

Lot 2 Enhanced Foster Care. The provision of foster care placements and support services for children and young people with enhanced needs

Lot 3 Step Down Foster Care. The provision of foster care placements and support services for children and young people who are placed within Residential Care or on a trajectory to be placed within Residential Care.

It is our intention that a procurement process will follow this provider engagement. Please check this page regularly for updates and ensure your organisation is register on our iSupplier portal support - Lancashire County Council.

The Authority reserves the right to amend what is set out in the engagement events and documents. Any procurement process that may be conducted will only be in accordance with the procurement documents that are published. Please regularly check these pages for the Procurement Process details.

Please note that participation (or non-participation) in the events will confer no advantage or disadvantage should commissioners commence the formal procurement process.

Date and time of the virtual event

9th July 2021 10am-12noon

How to book a place

Please email the following details to cypcommissioningadmin@lancashire.gov.uk, joining instructions will be shared with you closer to the event date.

Name Job title Organisation Email address Phone number