Strategic Partnership Framework for Commissioning of Children's Services

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 notice 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.

The Cluster 3 market engagement event will be held on 7 May, 11:00-12:00 via Microsoft Teams.

The session will provide an overview of the proposed scope for Cluster 3 and will cover the following indicative Lots:

Lot 1 - Complex Health Needs

Including medical and mental health services

Lot 2 - Care and Personal Support

Day-to-day support provided in the home and community

Lot 3 - Behavioural Support

Support to manage and reduce behaviours that challenge

Lot 4 - Short Breaks

Wraparound support, day services and overnight respite

Lot 5 - Emergency / Crisis Support

Rapid response provision to support crisis situations

Lot 6 - Therapeutic Support Services

Psychological, emotional and therapeutic interventions

Lot 7 - Specialist Assessment Service

Multi-disciplinary and specialist assessment provision

Suppliers interested in attending are requested to complete and return the following form:

Strategic Partnership Framework for the Commissioning of Children's Services - Fill in form via link:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=s2IPJ6SMY02KgP_LH2H-BDWFlU-oeiBOpkkTSNnn5wRUNDVEUkJaRjczSVJENUZSMDRRR0pVSDU5VC4u

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 following form to register your interest: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=s2IPJ6SMY02KgP_LH2H-BDWFlU-oeiBOpkkTSNnn5wRUOTNTNzBaTFJMRDU3MzhJNkMyREdYVFFPRS4u

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.