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Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)_ Market Engagement Event

Department for Education

Key Details

Estimated Value

£800,000

Deadline

Not specified

Contract Period

Not specified

Procurement Method

Not specified

CPV Code

85000000 - Health and social work services

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58

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Possible SME fit

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Key requirements

Extracted from the notice; check the official documents.

Estimated value
£800k
Contract period
1 Apr 2027 to 31 Mar 2029 (2 years)
Legal basis
Procurement Act 2023
CPV codes
85000000 Health and social work services; 85300000 Social work and related services
Suitability (buyer's flag)
SME-suitable, VCSE-suitable

Description

The Department for Education is exploring options for the future delivery of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), a statutory service that provides an independent review route for prospective and existing foster parents, adopters, and adult adoptees. The IRM enables applicants to request an independent review of certain decisions made by fostering and adoption services, including decisions relating to approval status and access to records. Cases are considered by independent panels comprising experienced children's social care professionals, ensuring an impartial and objective review process. The Department is seeking market feedback to inform the future service model, delivery approach, and commercial strategy. The service plays a key role in supporting transparency, fairness, and confidence in fostering and adoption decision-making processes across England. Please note: This notice relates to pre-procurement market engagement only and does not constitute the commencement of a procurement process. Any future procurement opportunity will be advertised separately. The scope, requirements, and estimated contract value may be subject to change following market engagement.

Suitability

SME SuitableVCSE Suitable

Previously won by

No award has been published for this tender. These are the latest award notices from Department for Education for health & social work services.

Assessment of Needs Tool and Digital Platform for Children at Risk of Deprivation of Liberty · published 14 Sept 2026

UK6 - Step Up to Social Work Cohort 10 Contractor · published 9 Sept 2026

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Outplacement Support Provision (con_31915) · published 4 Sept 2026

National Data Dashboard for Children's Social Care Placements · published 4 Aug 2026

All open tenders and award history for Department for Education →

From award notices on Find a Tender and Contracts Finder. SME or Large is the size the supplier declared on the notice (or, where it is silent, on its latest notice). Values are as published.

Publication Info

Published25 September 2026
SourceFind a Tender