Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) Services

Department for Education are looking for a provider to run and manage the Independent Review Mechanism in line with the Regulations http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/395/contents/made (The Department recommends that bidders read the Regulations before writing their bid). The contract is due to commence on 1 April 2021 and will be for an initial period of 2 years (dependent on funding renewal) with a further optional extension of 1 year.

The IRM provides an essential statutory service to prospective and existing foster parents, adopters and adult adoptees. The main function of the IRM is to offer an objective and independent route for applicants to request a review of decisions made their around approvals and records access made by local services. The service offered by the IRM is unique within the sector and offers the opportunity for applicants to have their case heard by an independent panel of children's social care experts