Provision of Fostering Agency Placements Flexible Agreement - Provider Engagement Event

Provider Engagement Event 9th July 2021 10am-12noon.

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 and will allow new providers to be apply to be on the Flexible Agreement every three years. We intend to have three lots within the Flexible Agreement, each having a tiered approach to enable the Authorities to work collaboratively with those Providers successful in being placed into tier 1. 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 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. Please see advert on LCC website for details of how to book a place at the Virtual Provider Engagement Event https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/business/tenders-and-procurement/tenders/provider-engagement-provision-of-fostering-agency-placements-flexible-agreement-blackburn-blackpool-cumbria-and-lancashire/