Our response to the announcement of the Cabinet Office’s Investment and Contract Readiness fund

We have responded today to the Cabinet Office’s open letter to the sector on the future of commissioning public services.

The letter by Nick Hurd announces £10 million of funding for the Investment and Contract Readiness programme to help civil society organisations grasp the opportunities arising from new markets in public service delivery and new types of social finance.

Drawing on points from the analysis of responses to the recent Green Paper Modernising Commissioning: Increasing the role of charities, social enterprises, mutuals and cooperatives in public service delivery the letter also announces a civil society listening exercise which will explore issues such as accessing open markets, reducing barriers and improving commissioning.

Our Chief Executive Sir Stuart Etherington, said:

‘The Investment and Contract Readiness fund is a step in the right direction.  However, the Government rightly acknowledges that there is a long road ahead to address the longstanding structural issues within public services.  Getting a proper handle on commissioning is essential for bringing about lasting change, and until we see progress with this, focusing on delivery and new mechanisms to transfer services out of the public sector will make little difference.

‘While is it positive that the Government is engaging with the sector, it is disappointing that another listening exercise is being rolled out whilst we still await detailed analysis of the responses to the Modernising Commissioning Green Paper. Moreover, it strengthens the concern held by many NCVO members that the journey towards open public services outlined in the letter lacks either a clear destination or an estimated time of arrival.

‘Helping the sector to get contract-ready is positive, but we also need contracts which are ready for the sector.  For this reason, we call on Government to move further and faster on mainstreaming the concept of social value in its public services plans as a key mechanism for driving improvements in services.  Assessing voluntary organisations on their full economic, environmental and social value would enable a full recognition of the role they play, and their key strengths in highlighting and responding to local needs – including those unmet by current provision. 

‘NCVO will continue to act in the interests of our members and ensure that the sector can play its full part in shaping and delivering quality public services tailored to individuals and communities.’

Visit the Cabinet Office website to read the letter in full. (Opens in PDF)