Independent Review Mechanism for fostering and adoption

This PIN is for market engagement only. It does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Department for Education. If the Department for Education decides to commence any procurement process as contemplated by this notice, a separate notice will be published at the relevant time. The requirements and values set out below may be subject to change. The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) provides an essential statutory service to prospective and existing foster parents, adopters, and adult adoptees. The main function of the IRM is to offer an objective and independent route for applicants to request a review of decisions made by fostering and adoption services about their approval status and access to their records. The service offered by the IRM is unique within the sector and enables applicants to have their case heard by an independent panel of children’s social care experts. We will be holding an initial market engagement session to talk about the service requirements and seek feedback from the sector on 15th February at 11-11:45 am. Following this initial market engagement session we will be offering 30-minute 1-2-1 meetings w/c 20th February. A question and answer log will be circulated after all sessions have taken place via the commercial Jaggaer system. To confirm your attendance please email Rose.Howell@education.gov.uk. Additional information: Estimated Contract Value: £800,000 for the total contract period including the optional extension (2 years +1 year optional extension) Information about lots: n/a Place of performance: England Description of the procurement: The IRM is provided for in regulations and as a result, some elements of its delivery are prescribed in legislation. The service was introduced in 2005 through secondary