Decision details

Decision taken by the Cabinet Member on: 20 November 2015

1.      That approval be given to waive Contracts Standing Orders and seek a sole tender from The Cornerstone Partnership to deliver 25 new foster carers and other related key deliverables.

2.      Following a positive evaluation of the above tender, it is also recommended that, The Cornerstone Partnership be awarded a contract for the performance of these services up to 30 September 2016 and for a sum of no more than £90,000.  The contracting authority will be Hammersmith & Fulham.

3.      The primary outcome from the contractis to recruit 25 new foster carers who can meet the placement needs of local looked after children as reflected in a profile of children requiring placements. All in-house recruitment and assessment social workers will be trained and coached in new techniques to recruit, assess and support prospective carers to improve the rate at which those who enquire about becoming a foster carer, progress to becoming approved carers working for the in-house service.

4.      To note that the Children’s Commissioning and Contracts Board will be asked to review the success and progress of the proposed contract in March 2016, along with recommendations for a longer term strategy to maximise the effectiveness of fostering recruitment and assessment.