Apply to set up a regional care cooperative
How local authorities and their partners in children's social care can apply to set up a regional care cooperative.
Applies to England
Regional care cooperatives (RCCs) are regional bodies that bring together:
- local authorities
- health services
- youth justice
- other partners
They plan and commission the homes and support for looked-after children.
The government published its vision for RCCs in February 2026.
The Department for Education (DfE) is now beginning the next phase of the RCC programme. We are inviting applications to establish up to 6 new RCCs. This is part of a phased national rollout.
Decide your operating model
We expect RCCs to be set up using one of these legal structures:
- a lead local authority or strategic authority model
- a corporate body
Our explains more on what these options involve.
Your application form needs to say which structure your RCC will take, and why.
Know what your application needs to show
We expect RCCs to develop in 3 stages. These are the:
- foundation stage
- development stage
- delivery stage
Your RCC needs to meet a checklist of minimum requirements. Our guidance explains what we expect you to do in each stage, including on:
- commissioning
- data
- finance
- fostering
- leadership and governance
- placements
- strategic planning
- sufficiency
Funding
Funding is available through the regional care cooperative programme.
You need to give a clear cost breakdown as part of your application.
There is more information in the guidance document.
Apply to set up your RCC
To apply, fill in the:
Send the completed documents to Commissioning.CSC@education.gov.uk.
The deadline for applications is midday on 22 May 2026.
The guidance explains how we will evaluate your application.
We will tell you if your bid has been successful in July 2026.