The ‘commissioning culture’ is proving to be a big challenge for many Councils, PCTs and other public bodies.  Commissioning public services from the Third Sector seems to be less straightforward and more fraught with difficulties than commissioning highways maintenance or bin-emptying – not least because you must adhere to the Compact’s Code of Practice on Funding and Procurement.

Having worked with single Councils as well as groups of several Councils in two-tier areas, I have plenty of experience to advise and assist in improving your commissioning of the Third Sector.  For example, how to separate out when to purchase services through tendering and awarding contracts, and when to continue providing grants for small-scale local projects and activities.