Public service delivery

Public services are services funded by public money and delivered by or on behalf of public bodies.

Public bodies include local authorities, health services, central government and many other public organisations.

Many charities already deliver public services and have done so for many years. They might do so under contract or some other agreement. 

Charities are often involved in helping to design public services – for example in helping to identify the needs of older people and design services that best meet their needs.

In recent years, charities have been encouraged by government to be more involved in the design and delivery of public services. 

Trustees are ultimately responsible for the work of their charity and in deciding whether or not, or how far, the charity should be involved in public service delivery.

Where charities engage in public service delivery, trustees must ensure that:

• the charity remains independent
• trustees only act in the interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
• the charity works to exclusively furthers its charitable purposes as set out in its governing document.

Further guides exist to help trustees understand public services delivery and the issues involved. For more information, visit NCVO's Public Service Delivery Network