NCB Now: Comment - Commissioners should be clear on criteria

However, a recent report Commissioning, Contracting and Delivery of Children's Services in the Voluntary Sector commissioned by VCS Engage, reveals that key players on all sides may not be ready.

Just under one third of all commissioners questioned were unclear on commissioning terms and processes, and over two thirds of VCS organisations did not know how to write a successful tender.

Local authorities must continue to bring a clarity to the process if VCS organisations are to effectively operate within it, and commissioners must ensure that their processes are accessible to grass roots organisations.

Crucially, commissioners and the VCS must jointly agree clear criteria that can be used when preparing tender documents and selection processes should be open and transparent. Several local authorities across England are working with the VCS to develop clear commissioning frameworks, and we urge other authorities to draw on this good practice.