PQ0426 - Independent Information, Advice, Mediation and Support for Foster Carers - AWARD

The Trust requires a supplier for the provision of Independent Information, Advice, Mediation and Support for Foster Carers.

Birmingham Children's Trust (BCT) Fostering agency is an Independent fostering agency and is wholly owned by Birmingham's Children Trust. Currently there are around 570 approved foster carer households providing family foster placements to around 897 looked after children on behalf of BCT. We have around 184 approved related foster carers (family and friends foster carers, including regulation 24 temporary approved) and 386 mainstream foster carers (including step up, EDT). We seek to increase our number of approved households each year as part of our sufficiency strategy.

As an Independent Fostering Agency, Birmingham have commissioned independent support for all foster carers. We are now choosing to tender for this service as this will allow us to have greater autonomy in appointing the service provider and ensuring that this is best able to meet the needs for Birmingham Children's Trust foster carers and as an organisation.

We are required to provide this service to our foster carers as part of the national minimum standards for fostering.

For Foster Carer membership the provider will undertake the following: o Independent support, advice and mediation to foster carers and their household where complaints, concerns and allegations arise between them. o Information and advice on all aspects of fostering in line with relevant standards, legislative requirements and national best practice. o To mediate between foster carers and agencies to reach satisfactory outcomes. o Provide assistance to the Agencies in the development of support services for foster carers. o Deliver training to foster carers as part of support to Birmingham Children's Trust fostering agency's carers

This contract will be for a period of 3 years commencing 1st June 2023 until 31st May 2026, with an option to extend for a further 2 years, subject to performance and sufficient funding.

The Council will be using its free to use e-tendering system (in-tend) for the administration of this procurement process and potential suppliers must register with the system to be able to express an interest. If you wish to express an interest in this opportunity, please click on the following link to access https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc/ and submit your details to register. You will then be sent details on how to log on which will enable you to download all relevant quotation documentation. If you are unable to register with In-tend or have any questions or problems on how to use this web site please either email us at: [email protected]

Your completed tender submission should be returned by noon on 28th April 2023 via the 'in-tend' system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc