Regulation 44

Bradford Children and Families Trust (BCFT) is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced provider to deliver an Independent Visitor Service in accordance with Regulation 44 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. The service will provide independent monthly visits to BCFT’s registered children’s homes within the Bradford District.

The current requirement covers nine registered children’s homes, equating to a minimum of 108 visits per year. The number of homes may change during the contract term in line with the Trust’s service requirements.

The Independent Visitor will be required to assess the quality of care provided, consider whether children are effectively safeguarded, review how each home promotes children’s welfare and wellbeing, and provide independent scrutiny of leadership, management, practice, records and the physical environment. The successful provider will be expected to engage meaningfully with children and young people, staff, managers, families and relevant professionals, ensuring that children’s views, wishes, feelings and lived experiences are captured and reflected within Regulation 44 reporting.

Visits may be announced or unannounced and should take place at varied times, including evenings, weekends and school holidays where appropriate. Following each visit, the provider will produce timely, evidence-based Regulation 44 reports that meet statutory and Ofsted requirements.

Reports must identify strengths, areas for improvement, safeguarding concerns, emerging themes and recommended actions. The provider will also be expected to work collaboratively with BCFT to support continuous improvement, effective escalation, contract monitoring and quality assurance across the Trust’s residential provision.

The anticipated contract term is three years, with an option to extend for a further twelve months, subject to satisfactory performance and ongoing service requirements. The maximum total contract value is £240,000 excluding VAT, inclusive of the optional extension period.

The requirement is not divided into lots. BCFT intends to appoint a single provider to deliver the complete service.

The procurement will be conducted as a below-threshold competitive tender process under the Procurement Act 2023. Full details of the service requirements, evaluation criteria, pricing requirements and contract terms are set out in the tender documentation.