Purpose

This report seeks approval to proceed with the proposed enhanced end-to-end model for the Fostering South West Hub, a regional collaborative arrangement involving local authorities across the South West which Wiltshire Council jointly leads with Cornwall Council. The enhanced model builds on the existing regional marketing and single front door arrangements and is intended to strengthen foster carer recruitment, assessment, support and retention across the region. It responds to rising demand for foster care, increasing complexity of children’s needs and the need to improve local sufficiency, reduce delay and support greater placement stability for children.

The Cabinet Member is asked to approve progression of the enhanced Fostering South West Hub model on a phased basis. Implementation activity will be progressed under existing officer delegations and in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, finance, procurement and legal requirements. As the regional model develops, further consideration will be given to whether the Hub should continue under the current hosted arrangement or move to an alternative regional delivery model. This decision does not determine or approve any change to the legal status, governance or hosting arrangements of the Hub. Any future proposal to establish, join or participate in a separate company, legal entity or alternative delivery vehicle would be subject to further legal, financial and governance advice and would be brought back through the appropriate decision making route, including Cabinet where required.

Decision

I confirm the decision set out in the attached report to proceed with the proposed enhanced end-to-end model for the Fostering South West Hub.

This decision was published on 7 September 2026 and will come into effect on 15 September 2026.

Reasons for the decision

The proposed decision will ensure that Wiltshire Council continues to play a leading role in strengthening regional foster carer recruitment, assessment, support and retention.

Nationally, there is a shortage of approved foster carers and Government has set out an ambition to increase the number of foster homes available for children. Regionally, the Fostering South West Hub has already established strong foundations through a coordinated marketing approach and single front door for prospective foster carers. The enhanced model will build on this platform by providing a more connected fostering journey from initial enquiry through assessment, approval and post-approval support.

The enhanced model is intended to improve progression from enquiry to application and assessment, reduce drop-off, improve coordination and quality assurance, strengthen regional data and insight, and support foster carer retention through a more consistent regional post-approval offer. It will be implemented on a phased basis, with particular focus on safe delivery, testing, learning and proportionality.

The model will require continued Department for Education transition funding and financial contributions from participating local authorities to ensure a sustainable and effective regional service.

Alternative options considered

The options considered were:

i)               to approve and continue acting as joint lead for the enhanced end-to-end Fostering South West Hub;

ii)              to continue with the Hub in its current recruitment-focused format; or,

iii)            to withdraw as co-lead and allow the enhanced model to progress under the direction of another regional partner.

The preferred option is to approve the enhanced end-to-end model and for Wiltshire Council to continue to lead this work alongside Cornwall Council.