The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Strategy agreed in 2016 sets out the Council’s approach to funding the VCS, which is principally through commissioned services funded through contracts. In line with this strategic commitment to commissioning services, a new commissioned service co-produced with the voluntary sector (the Community Commissioning programme) will succeed the Mainstream Grants programme (MSG) when it ends in March 2019. 

This paper presents the framework rationale and approach for the Community Commissioning programme, which has been developed in co-production with the VCS. This will underpin the second phase of co-production which will develop the detail of the programme themes (delivery areas) and processes to administer the programme. It is anticipated the second report will be brought back to Cabinet in the summer.

The Mayor in Cabinet is asked to:

1.    Agree the programme rationale and approach for a Community Commissioning programme, and

2.    Instruct officers to develop detailed proposals for a Community Commissioning programme, to be launched in time for a proposed programme delivery start date of April 2019.

Note – the Mayor highlighted that he was looking to receive a further report with more detailed information at an upcoming Cabinet meeting.

DECISION

1.    To agree the programme rationale and approach for a Community Commissioning programme, and

2.    To instruct officers to develop detailed proposals for a Community Commissioning programme, to be launched in time for a proposed programme delivery start date of April 2019.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Service Manager, Community Cohesion, Engagement and Commissioning (E. Fieran-Reed)

(Senior Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer (E. Langley)