Recent moves to increase public service delivery by social enterprise organisations have been exemplified in the health sector. The creation of a Social Enterprise Unit in the Department of Health has heralded comprehensive plans to build capacity in both third sector organisations and procurement bodies to allow social enterprise to realise its full delivery potential.
The Enterprising Healthcare project, run by Social Enterprise London and funded by the Department of Health, has been building knowledge and capacity in third sector organisations wishing to contract with Primary Care Trusts. Through facilitated networking and targeted training workshops the project has brought together supply and demand, and broken down barriers to contractual working relationships between PCTs and the third sector.
Throughout Spring 2008, we have held free events across London and the South East to offer perspectives from PCT Commissioners and social enterprise providers on best practice procedures and on their experiences, as well as the opportunity to network with Commissioners and potential partners. Additionally, afternoon training sessions for third sector organisations were held on qualifying tender opportunities, procurement practice and outcomes based commissioning.
SEL has produced a Toolkit detailing the findings of the project. This guide provides advice about the processes of procurement for social enterprises, and information about the Third Sector for PCT Commissioners. Download the Toolkit.
