Fostering Programme: New Hubs Expression of Interest

The Department for Education is offering £700,000 to £1,500,000 for new Fostering Hubs. This funding helps local areas recruit, assess and support foster carers through an integrated approach. Groups of Local Authorities, Children's Trusts and non-profit Independent Fostering Agencies can apply together. You must work in partnership to establish a Fostering Hub. The programme builds on existing successful hubs. Applications close on 22 May 2026. You need to read all four application documents before applying.

This is for groups working together to establish Fostering Hubs. You need Local Authorities, Children's Trusts and non-profit Independent Fostering Agencies working in partnership. Individual organisations cannot apply alone. This is only for organisations in England involved in foster care services.

The Fostering Recruitment and Retention Programme is inviting local areas to apply to join the programme via an Expression of Interest. Building on the success of the current Hubs within the programme, the next phase will expand beyond the “front door” and deliver a stronger and more integrated approach to recruiting, assessing and supporting foster carers through an end-to-end hub model. This Expression of Interest is open to groups of Local Authorities, Children’s Trusts and non-profit Independent Fostering Agencies interested in working together to establish a Fostering Hub. Bidders must read all four documents in full before completing the application. Application documents: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fostering-programme-new-hubs-expression-of-interest

This is an Expression of Interest process. You must read all four application documents available on the government website before completing your application. Apply through the official government publications page.