North West Children's Services Framework Agreement

The North West Association of Directors of Children's Services (NWADCS), representing 24 local authorities across the North West, is establishing a new collaborative framework contract hosted by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This framework enables North West local authorities to purchase a range of children's services through a single, coordinated procurement route, including alternative provision, family assessment centres, foster care, residential care, SEND schools and colleges, and supported accommodation. The framework aims to streamline procurement processes, reduce duplication of effort across the region, improve transparency and oversight of service provision, enhance understanding of service sufficiency, establish fairer pricing mechanisms with transparent uplift arrangements, and foster greater collaboration between local authorities and providers. The contract development process prioritizes engagement with local authorities, service providers, and importantly, the children and young people who use these services to ensure the framework meets genuine needs and delivers improved outcomes.