Provision of an Independent Fostering Agency Framework in Bromley

The London Borough of Bromley is inviting experienced providers to apply to join a closed framework for the delivery of Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) services for Children Looked After (CLA).

The framework has an estimated value of £29 million excluding VAT and will cover a range of fostering placements, from standard provision through to therapeutic care, parent and child placements, sibling groups and children with disabilities or complex health needs.

The framework is expected to operate for four years from 17 December 2026 to 16 December 2030.

Lots Available

The framework is divided into six lots:

Lot 1 – Standard

Mainstream fostering placements for children and young people whose needs can be supported without specialist therapeutic interventions or enhanced levels of care. Children may have experienced circumstances including trauma, neglect, abuse or family breakdown.

Lot 2 – Therapeutic

Placements for children and young people with significant emotional, behavioural or mental health needs requiring a therapeutic approach. Foster carers will typically receive specialist training and therapeutic support, with access to clinical professionals to help meet identified needs and promote stability and recovery.

Lot 3 – Parent and Child

Placements accommodating a parent and child together where assessment, support and monitoring are required. Foster carers will provide guidance, supervision and practical support while contributing to formal assessments where required.

Lot 4 – Siblings (including any discounts)

Placements for two or more siblings to remain together, supporting continuity of care and family relationships. Foster carers will be expected to meet individual needs while supporting positive relationships between siblings.

Lot 5 – Disability / Complex Health

Placements for children and young people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, developmental conditions, chronic illnesses or complex health needs. Provision may require specialist care, supervision, equipment, medical support or additional training, with foster carers working alongside health professionals and other agencies.

Lot 6 – Enhanced Respite/ Short Term

Standalone respite placements for children and young people with an identified assessed need that cannot reasonably be met through the routine respite arrangements expected within a standard fostering placement.

Contract Information

Buyer: London Borough of Bromley

Deadline: 29 September 2026, 11:59pm

Enquiry Deadline: 22 September 2026, 11:59pm

Contract Value: £29,000,000 excluding VAT (£34,800,000 including VAT)

Delivery Length: 17 December 2026 to 16 December 2030 – 4 years

Reference: DN822035

Tender Link: London Borough of Bromley tender opportunity

The opportunity is identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) across all six lots.

The Council has also reserved the right to make spot purchases where additional capacity cannot be provided by suppliers appointed to the framework.

Framework Information

There is no stated maximum number of suppliers that can be appointed to the framework, and no supplier fee will be charged.

Once established, contracts for Standard Services may be awarded either through Direct Award, in accordance with the framework terms, or through a Mini-Competition.

The framework is for use by the London Borough of Bromley.

Evaluation Criteria

Access to the framework will be evaluated using:

• Quality: 60%
• Price: 40%

The procurement is being conducted through an Open procedure under the Light Touch regime.

The estimated award decision date is 15 December 2026.

Significance for the Sector

With an estimated value of £29 million, the framework represents a substantial four-year opportunity for Independent Fostering Agencies capable of supporting Children Looked After across a range of placement needs.

The six-lot structure covers both mainstream and more specialised provision, including therapeutic placements, parent and child support, sibling groups, disability and complex health needs, and enhanced respite or short-term care.

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