UK Government launches Programme to Help Charities better Compete for Public Contracts, April 2023

A new programme has been launched by the UK Government to help voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) in England bid for and win public sector contracts.

The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has launched the VCSE Contract Readiness Programme, a cooperative scheme designed to provide support for the VCSE sector in England.

The Programme offers fully funded training, ranging from introductory webinars to short and long courses to help VCSEs be successful in winning public sector commissions.

Delivered by School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) with Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) and Voice4Change England (V4CE), the programme will run until the end of the financial year 2024/2025.

The Programme also aims to help public sector commissioners increase their awareness and understanding of the VCSE sector to create more effective partnerships.

Both VCSEs and commissioners can access support through SEUK’s newly created Public Services Hub.

The Crown Representative for VCSE expressed confidence in the launch, suggesting the Programme would challenge the barriers that have prevented charities entering the public sector market.

They later commented that because of the expertise of VCSEs, and often being ideally placed to deliver effective public services, the programme offers charities better chance and opportunity to enter public sector supply chains.

The organisers advise charities and social enterprises can sign up to this programme on the SSE’s website.

More information can be found on the SSE website.

Going from strength to strength, MVA’s Funding and Governance Club also offers support for charities in their fundraising efforts - and for a limited time only, you can join for FREE!

For more details, contact MVA’s Data & Business Development Team on 01634 812 850.