October 15th marked a decisive moment for anti-privatisation campaigners when the Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust announced that the county’s 8 community hospitals and health services (including 3000 nurses and other health workers would remain in the NHS. This reversed an earlier decision to outsource services by creating a ‘social enterprise’, in what would have … Continue reading
NCIA is collecting evidence about the impact of commissioning on voluntary action, particularly at local level. Post your story below, then we can use it to stop the privatisation of public services and co-option of voluntary action.
To start us off, here’s Bob Baker’s story, Director of the Simon Community, who writes in a personal … Continue reading
In late 2011, a major metropolitan borough council advertised two invitations to tender for their adult social care advocacy and carers support services at the same time, consultation was in parallel and the results announced together within one joint budget. Important aspects were not consulted on, for example, that competitive tendering would be the route … Continue reading
NCIA along with the TUC, Unite, Unison, NAVCA and others are organising a major conference in London on the 5th October. Entitled ‘Outsourcing and Austerity: Civil Society and the Coalition Government’, the conference will aim to examine the impact of cuts in public spending, Coalition Government attempts to abolish rights, entitlements and services, … Continue reading
This week sees the publication of a booklet that we have produced in collaboration with the TUC. ‘Localism: Threat or Opportunity?’ is a series of short essays from 12 contributors expressing a range of critical views about the intentions and likely consequences of the Government’s Localism Act.
Included are articles on:
How a CVS in Newcastle is using research to ‘speak truth to power’
Sally Young is the Chief Executive of Newcastle Council for Voluntary Services (NCVS), a large CVS with 500 members from big charities to small community associations. Newcastle historically is a deprived area with high unemployment. Sally says: “There’s a huge kind … Continue reading
A contract with the local council has led a welfare rights service away from assessing and meeting community needs
A consortium of four different organisations – three registered local charities and one national organisation – successfully bid to run a welfare rights and community development service in a large inner city borough. It is a … Continue reading
Notes from our May 29th event with London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) about commisioning, ‘is competition killing us?’ are available to download here.
NCIA has a continuing interest in commissioning and in the policy issues that lie behind it – the future of public services and the voluntary sector’s role in this future. We … Continue reading
A spirit of independence helps an older people’s project in Leeds keep going without council funding but it’s a struggle to provide the activities that people need
Stanningley and Swinnow Live at Home Scheme (SSLaHS) was formed in 1988 by St. Thomas’ Church Group and became part of a neighbourhood network system that was unique … Continue reading
Tuesday 29 May 2012, 9.30am to 4.30pm, at Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA
Free event: register now!
NCIA has joined with LVSC to organise this event to explore the effects commissioning is having on the voluntary and community sector.
Where do you draw the line at taking on a contract?
Can … Continue reading