GMCA 2201 NW Regional Children’s Services Framework

North West Association of Directors of Children’s Services (NWADCS), representing the 24 North West local authorities, have a long track record of collaborative contracting for childrens services. Under new arrangements hosted by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) NWADCS are introducing a new contract to allow the North West authorities a route to purchase services for children including; alternative provision, family assessment centres, foster care, residential, SEND schools and colleges, and supported accommodation.

The procurement exercise aims to establish an open framework designed to improve provider and local authority experience in relation to the purchasing of these services for children. Additional anticipated outcomes include• Reduced duplication in procurement activity across the region. • Improved transparency and oversight. • Better understanding of sufficiency.• Improved approach to pricing and uplifts. • Local and sub regional collaboration.Following extensive pre-market engagement activity prior to the lead authority being identified the approach to contract development will focus on engagement with local authorities and providers and the experiences of children and young people using these services.