FOSTERLI LTD

Fosterli

Fosterli is a cloud-based applicant tracking and assessment platform for fostering services. It supports recruitment and assessment workflows from initial enquiry through to approval, helping Local Authorities and fostering agencies manage applications, assessments and decision-making while enabling Social Workers and Fostering Applicants to collaborate efficiently and meet regulatory requirements.

Features

• Cloud-based fostering applicant tracking platform with secure remote access
• Digital statutory assessment process from application to ADM approval
• Real-time assessment progress tracking for applicants, assessors, recruiters and managers
• Applicant portal for progress tracking, collaboration, networking and learning tools
• Family profiles capturing household details e.g relationships, history and preferences
• In-app chat enabling communication between applicants, assessors and managers
• Assessment management tools for workload allocation and capacity monitoring
• Automated notifications, reminders and links to knowledge hub
• Centralised evidence storage supporting compliance panel and inspections
• UK-hosted infrastructure meeting Local Authority security standards

Benefits

• Faster application to approval timeline, reduced delays and panel wastage
• Improved applicant assessment experience meaning reduced drop-off, increased retention rates
• One simple, connected automated workflow, right through to ADM
• Improved compliance through smart assessment logic and automation
• Admin reduction, social-worker and manager workload efficiency and satisfaction
• Improved understanding of data, spotting bottlenecks in pipeline and workloads
• Social worker and foster carer knowledge and skills development
• Always OFSTED-ready with instant at-a-glance compliance tracking
• Foster Carers begin Fostering better prepared and supported
• Reassurance of a purpose-built, GDPR compliant, secure system

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at info@fosterli.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 15

Service ID

878897103463354

Contact

Rasheda Fry
07794972851
info@fosterli.com

About your service

• Service categories:

  Applications

  Content workflow and management

  Enterprise portals and digital workspaces

  • Multi-Audience Portals
  • Integrated Employee Workspaces
• Multi cloud support: No

Service scope

• Software add-on or extension: Yes, but can also be used as a standalone service
• What software services is the service an extension to: API integrations can be provided where required as part of the Fosterli service. These integrations are optional and are not included as standard. Details of available integration options, including pricing, are set out in the Fosterli pricing document. Integrations are scoped and agreed in advance with the buyer before delivery.
• Cloud deployment model: Public cloud
• Service constraints: Planned maintenance is carried out outside UK business hours where possible, with advance notice.; ; Emergency maintenance may be required for security or service stability.; ; No specialist or specific hardware is required to use the service.; ; Access is via a modern web browser on standard desktop or laptop devices.; ; Legacy or unsupported browsers are not supported.; ; A stable internet connection is required.; ; Offline use is not currently supported.; ; Support is provided during UK business hours only.; ; Out-of-hours support is limited to critical service incidents.
• System requirements:
  • Access to a modern web browser (Chrome, Edge or Safari)
  • Stable internet connection
  • Standard desktop or laptop device (no specialist hardware required)
  • No additional software installations or licences required
  • No customer-managed servers or virtual machines required
  • Antivirus and endpoint security managed by the buyer’s organisation
  • Compatible with standard public sector IT environments
  • Secure access using individual user accounts and role-based permissions

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes
• Support response times: Standard support queries are acknowledged within one UK business day.; ; Most questions are resolved within two UK business days.; ; Urgent issues affecting service availability or data security are prioritised and responded to as quickly as possible.; ; Support is provided during UK business hours.; ; Clear escalation routes are in place for critical incidents.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: Standard Support (Included with all Fosterli plans).; Email-based support for all users.; Available during UK business hours.; Structured onboarding/training and initial setup support (virtual).; Guidance on day-to-day service use and configuration.; Troubleshooting of functional or access issues.; Incident management for service availability or data security events.; ; Enhanced Support (optional).; ; Provided by agreement as part of onboarding or contract.; Support for configuration changes and service optimisation.; Optional on-site support at buyer premises, subject to prior agreement.; ; Support is delivered by Fosterli’s internal product and engineering team through the agreed support channels. As part of Enhanced Support, a named service contact may be provided to coordinate support, onboarding, configuration changes and service optimisation. Buyers do not have direct access to, or responsibility for, the underlying cloud infrastructure or cloud support engineers, as the service is fully managed by Fosterli.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Fosterli provides online training to core users as part of onboarding, supported by weekly check-in sessions with the Fosterli team during the first month of use.; Ongoing support is reinforced through a library of clear, task-based “how-to” video guides available to all users. Separate, user-specific video guidance is also provided for fostering applicants to support confident and accessible use of the platform.; Each organisation can nominate a Fosterli Champion, who receives additional online training and acts as the primary point of contact for Fosterli-related queries within the organisation.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: Prior to contract termination, and in agreement with the Buyer, Fosterli will make the Buyer’s data available in an encrypted data pack.; The data pack will contain structured CSV files, together with all associated attachments, uploads, and applicable metadata, provided as standard.; If required, Fosterli may also provide a handover meeting to explain the structure and contents of the extracted data and to address any reasonable follow-up questions.
• End-of-contract process: All onboarding and off boarding costs are covered by the contract price.
• Documentation accessibility standard: WCAG 2.2 AA

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Supported browsers:
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
• Application to install: No
• Designed for use on mobile devices: Yes
• Differences between the mobile and desktop service: Desktop access provides the full service and is used by assessors and administrators for assessment management, reporting and configuration.; ; Mobile access is intended for Fostering Applicants only and supports tasks such as viewing information, completing forms, uploading documents and tracking progress.; ; Administrative and management functions are not available on mobile and are optimised for desktop use.
• Service interface: Yes
• User support accessibility: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Description of service interface: The service interface is provided via a standard web browser and includes role-based dashboards and workflows tailored to different users, including Social Workers, administrators and Fostering Applicants. No additional software installation is required. Access is controlled through individual user accounts and permissions, ensuring users only see the information and features relevant to their role.
• Accessibility standards: WCAG 2.2 AA
• Accessibility testing: Fosterli’s service interface is designed to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA, in line with UK government accessibility requirements.; To date, Fosterli has not carried out formal interface testing with users of specialist assistive technologies. Accessibility testing has instead focused on functionality in user testing, combined with manual checks and automated testing against WCAG A and AA success criteria during development.; Testing has covered keyboard-only navigation, focus order, heading structure, form labelling, colour contrast, text resizing and reflow, avoidance of reliance on colour alone, and use of semantic HTML to support compatibility with assistive technologies.; Accessibility is reviewed on an ongoing basis as part of development, and issues identified through use or feedback are logged and prioritised for improvement.; Fosterli does not currently claim WCAG 2.2 AAA compliance or formal certification against EN 301 549. Formal testing with users who rely on assistive technologies is planned as the service continues to mature.
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: Fosterli uses a modern, API-driven architecture to support delivery of the service. The API is used internally by the application and as such cannot currently be used by buyers or third parties to directly integrate external systems, automate changes, or manage the service outside the Fosterli platform. However integrating with the Fosterli APIs can be explored and agreed with buyers.
• API documentation: No
• API sandbox or test environment: No
• Customisation available: Yes
• Description of customisation: Fosterli allows configuration of user roles and permissions, assessment workflows and stages, application forms and question sets, status labels, organisational structures, and notifications and reminders. Additional changes such as API integrations or bespoke configuration are available at an additional cost.; ; Customisation is completed through in-platform settings using predefined options and templates. Additional changes, including API integrations or bespoke configuration, are scoped and delivered by Fosterli as a separate, chargeable engagement.; ; Customisation is restricted to authorised users within the buyer’s organisation, such as system administrators or managers with appropriate permissions. Platform-level configuration and bespoke changes, including integrations, are managed by Fosterli.

Scaling

• Independence of resources: Fosterli is delivered as a multi-tenant public cloud SaaS service with logical separation between customer environments.; ; Demand is managed using scalable cloud infrastructure, resource monitoring and rate limiting to prevent any single organisation or user from adversely affecting others. Performance and availability are continuously monitored, and capacity is adjusted to maintain consistent service levels. This ensures each customer’s use of the service does not impact the experience of other users.

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Fosterli provides users with access to operational usage metrics within the service.; These include user activity metrics, such as logins and progression through defined workflows, and assessment pipeline metrics, including application volumes, time spent at each stage, and overall time to completion.
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
• Resource tagging: No
• FOCUS resource tagging: No

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations: European Economic Area (EEA)
• User control over data storage and processing locations: No
• Datacentre security standards: Managed by a third party
• Penetration testing frequency: At least once a year
• Penetration testing approach: Another external penetration testing organisation
• Protecting data at rest: Encryption of all physical media
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Equipment disposal approach: A third-party destruction service
• Data sanitisation type: Deleted data can’t be directly accessed / Cryptographic Erasure

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: Assessment records are exportable via the Fosterli platform at the end of the assessment process in PDF format. ; Where additional data export is required, this can be arranged between the Fosterli Champions and Fosterli as part of ongoing use or at contract exit, subject to agreement.
• Data export formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data export formats: PDF
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data import formats: PDF

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks: TLS (version 1.2 or above)
• Data protection within supplier network: TLS (version 1.2 or above)

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: Fosterli guarantees 99.99% service availability, measured monthly, excluding planned maintenance. Planned maintenance is scheduled outside UK business hours wherever possible and communicated in advance.; ; If service availability falls below the guaranteed level in any month, service credits may be applied in line with the contract, this is the standard remedy on G-Cloud rather than cash refunds.; ; Availability is continuously monitored, and incidents impacting availability are prioritised and resolved promptly.
• Approach to resilience: Fosterli is designed to be resilient and available as a cloud-based SaaS service.; ; The service is hosted on managed public cloud infrastructure designed for high availability and fault tolerance. Core components are deployed across multiple availability zones within the hosting region to reduce the risk of single points of failure. The underlying datacentre infrastructure provides redundant power, networking and environmental controls, managed by the cloud provider.; ; Application health and availability are continuously monitored, with automated alerts to enable rapid response to incidents. Regular backups are taken and stored securely to support data recovery. Planned maintenance is scheduled outside UK business hours wherever possible and communicated in advance.; ; Further details of the datacentre resilience and architecture can be provided to buyers on request.
• Outage reporting: Email alerts: Buyers are notified by email if a service outage or significant degradation occurs, including updates as the issue is investigated and resolved.

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Access to management interfaces and support channels is strictly controlled.; ; Management interfaces are protected by individual user accounts with role-based permissions, ensuring only authorised users can access administrative functions. Access is limited to approved personnel and reviewed regularly. Authentication controls are applied consistently across all environments.; ; Support channels are restricted to authorised customer contacts and internal staff. Requests are verified before action is taken, and sensitive changes or data access are only performed following appropriate authorisation. All access and actions are logged to support audit and accountability.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Management access authentication: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• How long system logs are stored for: At least 12 months

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: No
• Security governance approach: Fosterli takes a proportionate, risk-based approach to security governance aligned with government guidance and cloud security principles.; ; Security responsibilities are clearly defined within the organisation, with oversight for data protection, access control and secure development. Policies and procedures cover areas including information security, access management, incident response, vulnerability management and data protection.; ; Fosterli takes a risk-based approach to security governance aligned with government guidance and cloud security principles. Security responsibilities are clearly defined, with policies covering information security, access control, incident response and data protection. Security considerations are embedded into operations and development, risks reviewed and issues remediated through processes.
• Information security policies and processes: Fosterli follows proportionate information security policies and processes aligned with government guidance and cloud security principles.; ; Information security responsibilities are clearly defined within the organisation. Oversight sits with senior leadership, with designated responsibility for data protection, access control and secure development. All staff are required to follow security policies as part of their contractual obligations.; ; Policies and processes cover key areas including access management, data protection, secure software development, incident management, vulnerability management and business continuity. Access to systems and data is role-based and restricted to authorised personnel only, with access reviewed regularly and removed promptly when no longer required.; ; Security is embedded into day-to-day operations and product development. Changes to the service follow controlled release processes, and security considerations are reviewed as part of design and deployment. Incidents and security issues are logged, assessed by risk and addressed in line with documented response procedures.; ; Adherence to policies is reinforced through onboarding, regular reviews and management oversight. Policies and processes are reviewed periodically and updated as the service matures or risk profiles change.
• Software Security Code of Practice: Yes

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Supplier-defined controls
• Configuration and change management approach: Fosterli uses supplier-defined configuration and change management processes aligned with government guidance. Service components are tracked throughout their lifecycle using version control and release records. Changes are assessed in advance for functional, security and operational impact, tested before release, and deployed using controlled processes. Emergency changes are reviewed after implementation.
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: Fosterli undertakes annual penetration testing to identify and address security vulnerabilities within the service.; ; Penetration testing is carried out by an independent external organisation and is scoped to assess the application and supporting infrastructure. Findings are reviewed by the internal engineering team, prioritised based on risk, and remediated within agreed timeframes. Where required, re-testing is performed to confirm that issues have been resolved.; ; Annual testing is supplemented by ongoing vulnerability monitoring and secure development practices to ensure the service remains protected between formal test cycles.
• Protective monitoring type: Supplier-defined controls
• Protective monitoring approach: Fosterli uses proportionate protective monitoring aligned with government guidance. Potential compromises are identified through application and infrastructure monitoring and security logs. Suspected incidents are assessed immediately, contained where necessary, and investigated using documented procedures. Critical incidents are responded to immediately, with non-critical issues addressed within agreed timeframes.
• Incident management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Incident management approach: Fosterli has defined incident management processes aligned with government guidance on operational security.; ; Pre-defined procedures are in place for common incident types, including service outages, security events and access issues. Incidents are logged, assessed and prioritised based on severity and impact.; ; Users report incidents through the agreed support channels, primarily email support during UK business hours. Critical incidents affecting availability or data security are escalated immediately.; ; Incident updates and post-incident summaries are provided to affected buyers as appropriate, including details of impact, resolution and any corrective actions taken.
• Post-quantum cryptography secure: Yes

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Conforms to a recognised standard, but self-assessed

Public sector networks

• Connection to public sector networks: No

Pricing

• Discount for educational organisations: No
• Free trial available: No

Discount percentage by annual call-off contract value (excluding VAT)

• Less than £250,000: 0%
• Between £250,000 and £500,000: 5%
• Between £500,001 and £1,000,000: 7.5%
• Between £1,000,001 and £2,500,000: 10%
• Between £2,500,001 and £5,000,000: 12.5%
• Over £5,000,001: 15%

Non-mandatory Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: No
• ISO 28000:2022 certification: No
• ISO 9001 certification: No
• Quality management systems (QMS): No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Please provide your Cyber Essentials Certificate Number: 1baedd81-9171-4c6e-ac71-77affaee3cd2
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Please provide your Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate Number: C4f005cc-88cd-4117-bf69-c43da2291c28
• Other security certifications: No

Social value

• Section B - Commitment for Future: Delivery:

  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 2: Skills for growth: Supporting growth sectors and addressing skills gaps.

    • Activities to support relevant sector related skills growth and sustainability in the contract workforce. Illustrative examples: careers talks, curriculum support, literacy support, safety talks and volunteering

  • Mission: Kick start economic growth. To secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 - with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

    Policy Outcome 3: Resilient, innovative and flexible supply chains: Support economic growth through enabling resilient businesses, opportunities for small businesses and voluntary, community and social enterprises

    • Understanding of local demographics, needs and opportunities for the co-design of the goods, services and works to be delivered under the contract

  • Mission: Break down barriers to opportunity: By reforming our childcare and education systems, to make sure there is no class ceiling on the ambitions of young people in Britain

    Policy Outcome 6: Employment and training: For those who face barriers to employment

    • Creation of employment opportunities particularly for those who face barriers to employment, such as prison leavers, care leavers and/or who are located in deprived areas, and for people in industries with known skills shortages or in high growth sectors
    • Working conditions which promote an inclusive working environment and promote retention and progression
    • Inclusive and accessible development practices, including guidance for line managers on recruiting, managing and developing people with a disability or health condition

  • Mission: Break down barriers to opportunity: By reforming our childcare and education systems, to make sure there is no class ceiling on the ambitions of young people in Britain

    Policy Outcome 7: Creating a pipeline of opportunities: For the contract workforce, reducing barriers to entry for under-represented groups.

    • Understanding of the issues affecting the development of new skills by target cohort
    • Understanding of the underlying factors affecting improvements to reduce barriers to entry and training schemes for the target cohort(s) related to the contract workforce
    • Other measures to offer development opportunities for the target cohort(s) in the contract workforce
    • Advertising, promotional and outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the offer to reach the target cohort

  • Mission: Build an NHS fit for the future: That is there when people need it; with fewer lives lost to the biggest killers; in a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer.

    Policy Outcome 8: Increasing productivity through physical and mental wellbeing: In the supply chain and communities in the relevant area.

    • Understanding of issues relating to health and wellbeing, including physical and mental health, in the contract workforce
    • Understanding barriers to access to health and social care services or employment opportunities e.g. digital inclusion
    • Inclusive and accessible recruitment practices, development practices and retention policies that support-focused activities including those provided in the Guide for line managers on recruiting, managing and developing which support people with a disability or health condition
    • Actions to invest in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the contract workforce

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at info@fosterli.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.