Strategic Partnership Framework for Commissioning of Children's Services: Cluster 1

The Council is undertaking preliminary market engagement in respect of a potential future procurement to establish up to three Strategic Partnership Frameworks for the commissioning of Children's Services.

These frameworks would aim to support the development and delivery of high-quality, inclusive and outcomes-focused services for children and young people.
At this stage, the proposed approach, structure and scope of the Frameworks are indicative only and subject to change following market feedback.

The Council is considering a model comprising three service clusters, with initial indicative annual values as follows:

Cluster 1: approximately £56,142,500 per annum (exclusive of VAT)
Cluster 2: approximately £18,050,000 per annum (exclusive of VAT)
Cluster 3: approximately £5,865,000 per annum (exclusive of VAT)

This equates to a combined indicative annual value of approximately £80,057,500, and a potential total value of up to £800,575,000 (exclusive of VAT) over an anticipated maximum term of up to 10 years.
This advert is issued for information and engagement purposes only and does not constitute a call for competition. The Council is seeking feedback from the market to help inform its future commissioning strategy and procurement approach.


Cluster 1: Children’s Social Care Services – Market Engagement Event

Liverpool City Council is preparing to commission a new Strategic Partnership Framework for Children’s Services, which includes Children’s Social Care Services (Cluster 1).
The framework will provide a continuum of care and accommodation, supporting children and young people from fostering and residential care through to independence. Its purpose is to ensure that future provision maximises independence, choice and control, best value, and long-term sustainability within the local care market.
This procurement will be undertaken in line with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.

We are inviting providers to attend a Market Engagement Event, where we will outline our commissioning intentions, proposed lot structure, and anticipated procurement approach. This session will also provide an opportunity for providers to share early feedback and help shape the final specification and framework design.

The proposed indicative Lots are:


Lot 1 – Independent Fostering Agency Placements
Including respite placements and parent and child foster placements


Lot 2 – Residential Children’s Homes
Including solo placements, parenting assessment units, and short-term crisis provision


Lot 3 – Semi-Independent Accommodation and Supported Living
For care-experienced young people and Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children (UASC) aged 16–18 and beyond age 18 where their asylum claim remains pending


Lot 4 – Supported Lodgings


The engagement event will be held on 11 June, 11:00–12:30 via Microsoft Teams.

Please complete the form to register your interest: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=s2IPJ6SMY02KgP_LH2H-BDWFlU-oeiBOpkkTSNnn5wRUOTNTNzBaTFJMRDU3MzhJNkMyREdYVFFPRS4u
Please note you may have to copy and paste this into your browser.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 10 June at 11:00am. The event link will be issued via email on 10 June between 15:00–17:00.

Please note that your details will be captured and stored by Liverpool City Council for the purposes of this event and to gather feedback only.