Opportunity Overview
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.
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.
How to bid: GlobalGov tracks this tender; it does not accept bids. Submit your response through the issuing agency’s official notice.
Your competitors are watching the same crowded contracts everyone else is. Track this opportunity and every one like it worldwide, set deadline alerts, and win where they aren’t. Free for 14 days, no card.
Start a free GlobalGov accountSolicitation Details
| Issuing agency | Department for Education |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Category | Government Procurement |
| Estimated value | $1.0M |
| Published | September 25, 2026 |
| Procurement stage | Request for Proposal (RFP) |
| Response due | Not specified / rolling |
| Status | Open — accepting responses |
| Official source | View original notice |
| Last verified | October 11, 2026 |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: UK Government (Find a Tender).
Related Opportunities in United Kingdom
See every United Kingdom Government Procurement opportunity your competition is missing. Free for 14 days.
Get real-time alerts, competitive intelligence, and deadline tracking for this and every market worldwide.
Start Free Trial — No Card RequiredFree 14-day trial · no card required
See who is already competing here →Get a free United Kingdom Government Procurement intelligence report in your inbox
A personalized report on United Kingdom Government Procurement opportunities, emailed in 5-10 minutes. One per month, no account needed.