Children's Homes Providers - Market Engagement Exercise

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is seeking to engage with children's homes providers to gather information about the market and develop future commissioning arrangements for children with severe, complex behavioural needs and/or significant mental health issues. Key objectives include understanding current market capacity, identifying innovative support approaches, exploring integrated and multidisciplinary care models, and assessing the feasibility of developing local care provision to keep children closer to their communities. The Council is open to engaging with all providers with relevant regulatory registrations, experience, facilities and specialist expertise, particularly those based within or near the borough. Various commissioning models are being explored, including block purchasing, strategic partnerships, and other contractual arrangements, subject to future approvals. This is a market testing and information-gathering exercise only. It does not constitute a procurement exercise or commitment to award contracts. Participation will not provide any advantage in future procurement processes. Any future procurement will follow the Procurement Act 2023 and applicable regulations. Participants are invited to a virtual market engagement session on 30th July 2026, 11:00-12:00 noon. Interested providers must register by emailing ayo.abugo@lbbd.gov.uk by 12:00 noon on Wednesday 29th July.