Targeted Support Fund Commissioning Programme launched - 1st February

In February 2009 the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) launched an action plan to help charities, volunteers and social enterprises deliver extra help to those that need it most during the economic downturn.

As part of that package of help, £0.5 million has been set aside to “develop stronger commissioner engagement with small/medium providers”. I&DeA in partnership with IVAR have been asked to deliver this programme as a distinctive and additional element of the second phase of the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning. 
 
I&DeA has worked with the OTS and the Department of Health (who have provided the funding) to develop a proposal for twelve programmes within the 50 identified Targeted Support Fund areas. Eleven of the twelve areas were announced by the Office for the Third Sector on 21 January 2010. Click here to read the full statement.
 
IVAR will be visiting each of the areas between now and March 2010 to undertake a local diagnostic session with LSP and third sector partners. At this session a local improvement plan aimed at addressed a specific issue regarding commissioning in each area will be developed. There will be ongoing support for implementation and a progress review meeting in June. The programme will conclude with a final a review session sometime in September 2010 to assess how the project has gone and what impact there has been as a result of the Commissioning Improvement Programme.  
 
For more information about the project or to find out more about Phase 2 of the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning (NPTSC) contact ben@ivar.org.uk
 
To view the brochure outlining Phase 2 of the NPTSC click here.