Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)_ Market Engagement Event
Issued by Department for Education · via UK Find a Tender Service
- Published
- 25 Sept 2026
- Value
- GBP 800,000
- Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-077a23
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Type
- services
Details
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.
This notice has closed — what to do next
We hold 6 notices from Department for Education, going back to August 2026 — 5 of them still open. They buy mostly in Education & Training and Social Development & Inclusion.
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