Virtual Procurement Information Event - 23rd March 10-11.30am - Reading Semi-Independent and Supported Accommodation for Looked after Children and Care Leavers Post 16

All providers who wish to take part in this event should express an interest and they will be sent a TEAMs link to the meeting on the 23rd March 10-11:30 am 2021

All of the meeting details and any questions and answers will be included when the tender is published in April 2021.

Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) is a not-for-profit private limited company that is wholly owned by Reading Borough Council. BFfC was established in December 2018 and has a single purpose which is to provide the best possible services to children, young people and families in Reading. BFfC has the statutory responsibility, on behalf of the council, for the delivery of children's social care, education, Youth Offending, Special Educational needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Early Help (both interventions and prevention).

The BFfC Board has overall responsibility for overseeing how the organisation is run and providing advice on its future direction and strategy. There are seven members on the board including a Chair, Managing Director, Executive Directors and Expert Non-Executive Directors.

Brighter Futures for Children currently uses a framework of approved providers to identify placements for young people aged 16 and over, requiring supported accommodation. This ITT is for a 4 year Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) , with an option to extend for up to 24 months.

The DPS is expected to commence on 19th August 2021 to provide the specified services to Reading young people. The aim of this service is to make a successful transition progressing young people towards independent living by providing high quality accommodation and support whilst facilitating their personal well-being, ensuring safety and equipping them with the skills required to sustain an independent tenancy long term. The service aims to provide a settled period in a safe environment where the young people will receive an intensive housing management and support service which will help them gain the necessary skills to live independently and achieve positive outcomes.

The service includes a range of accommodation and support options for vulnerable young people, ranging from buildings based supported accommodation with staff on site to supported lodgings within the homes of trained hosts through to supported tenancies

The Service Provider will provide accommodation and/or support for the following client groups: • Looked after children aged 16 plus including Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Minors • Care leavers (16-17) • Care leavers aged 18 plus who are awaiting access to social or private rented housing or whose needs require them to retain the accommodation and support

This project will be split into lots and the predicted total value of the project is estimated to be about £9.6m

To express an interest in this event all providers should register on the Councils e-tendering system at: https://intendhost. co.uk/readingbc/aspx/Home and complete as instructed.

Additional information: This is an early engagement exercise as part of the development of a planned procurement. Organisations interested in responding to the consultation should express an interest on the Council`s e-tendering system at: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/readingbc/aspx/Home and complete as instructed.

The Portal is free of charge - to register please follow the supplier registration guidance which is available on the Portal.