Foster Care Capacity Retainer Block Pilot - Market Testing Exercise

Reading Borough Council is conducting market testing to explore a new commissioning model for securing local foster care capacity through a retainer-based block approach. The Council is seeking early engagement with Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) to test the viability of this model, particularly regarding carer availability within a 20-mile radius of Reading Civic Centre, and to assess operational practicality and commercial attractiveness for providers. This is a collaborative co-design exercise where IFAs can help shape service expectations, delivery approaches, and model refinement ahead of any formal procurement. The engagement process is structured to inform the Council's decision on proceeding to a full pilot and to ensure the final model is realistic, deliverable, and aligned with market capacity and provider expertise. IFAs with existing or potential carers in the Reading area, providers able to support local placement development, and organisations interested in collaborative model design are encouraged to participate.