Olof Williamson

In the run-up the the 2010 UK general election the parties have been competing to show they have the best model for public services.

This included discussing the benefits of mutuals and co-operatives. I summarised this in a blog post addressing the question Do mutuals and cooperatives offer a new alternative for public services and the voluntary sector?

<> <>Where it comes to alternative models of public service provision, many of our members are already out there, doing this kind of work. ...

It is interesting that the driver highlights inequality as an implication:

"Increase in inequality as those unable to make their voice heard are marginalised."

<>If personalised systems are set up in a fair way, then it could increase equality by breaking down the institutional barriers that prevent citizens getting the help they need. For example co-production may offer an opportunity for organisations and people to see the real value of the work that unpaid carers are doing, and individual...

We already know that the voluntary sector is playing an increasing role in public services, and this usually means signing contracts - but do you know how to get the best from these agreements? Changing procurement means it is more important than ever to know the tools and techniques available.

NCVO's Public Service Delivery Network is running a Training Suite over two days in September and October, aimed at commissioners and providers involved in developing and delivering public services.

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There is certainly plenty of debate around the strengths and weaknesses of child sponsorship. Some organisations have implemented a hybrid approach where donors sponsor a child, with the income going to the whole community (see www.actionaid.org.uk/100044/sponsor_a_child). Others stick to a model where all income goes to the specified child, while some organisations reject the approach altogether.

<>There is an interesting continuing discussion of child sponsorship on the Intelligent Giving...