Purpose

To approve the Council joining a regional fostering hub

Decision

1. That it be approved, the City of Wolverhampton Council join, in principle, the test and learn phase of the Black Country Fostering Hub for an initial duration of two years commencing 30 October 2026, in partnership with the other three Black Country Local Authorities, with Walsall Council acting as lead authority, host organisation and accountable body for the Department for Education Section 31 grant funding awarded to the Black Country Partnership.
2. That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education in consultation with the Executive Director of Families to approve, through an Individual Executive Decision Notice, progress with any governance, financial, legal, staffing, procurement, data protection and mobilisation arrangements required to enable the hub to launch. This is subject to final documentation such as the Collaboration Agreement being agreed and entered into after completion of the Council’s governance process.
3. That it be noted, City of Wolverhampton Council have been a part of the Joint Bid Application and  Walsall Council as lead authority for the Regional Black Country Fostering Hub have acceptance of the Department for Education (DfE) Section 31 grant funding for the Black Country Fostering Hub test and learn phase totalling £1.5 million, which includes dedicated communications and marketing funding, subject to final grant documentation and conditions. The Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between Walsall Council and DfE on 8 September 2026.