Where it comes to alternative models of public service provision, many of our members are already out there, doing this kind of work. This includes user-led service providers, such as those in the disabilities sector. These organisations know that there’s more to it than government just saying – there you are, take the money and do it differently.
Despite the tricky issues, one of the widely acknowledged strengths of mutual and cooperative models is the stability of these organisational models.
The key message is that the politicians like to present quick fixes, but despite the value of using different organisational models it will take hard work and dedication to make public service reforms work. What's great is that they are at least talking about this kind of thing!
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 budgets could more accurately provide for the real cost of supporting people.
If you want to influence the support available to voluntary and community groups on personalisation, take NCVO's three minute personalisation survey to let us know your thoughts and experiences of personalisation so far. The survey is open until Friday 6 November 2009.
We are always looking at ways to respond to the challenge posed by this driver - one of the key things that the Public Service Deliver Network does is brings together both VCOs and commissioners from public bodies to help them gain the skills to work together productively.
In September and October 2009 the network is running a two-day training suite for commissioners and front-line service providers. The topics are Navigating Funding Agreements (24 Sept) and Tendering for Better Services (22 Oct). I have posted more details on my profile page.
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.
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.
It is important to consider all possible forms of income for the organisation. NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project gives advice and information diversifying your income streams to ensure long-term success, including our widely-used Income Spectrum Tool. We also provide advice on general fundraising methods, and ways to diversify your income such as trading and social enterprise.
Although you might struggle to make it along from Malawi, other readers may be interested in our Sustainable Funding Annual Gathering 2009 which takes place in London on 17 June. The day features practical support for voluntary and community groups and talks from top social entrepreneurs such as Sophi Tranchell, MD of Divine Chocolates, who sell Fairtrade chocolate in the UK to empower cocoa farmers in Ghana.
Olof
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?
The key message is that the politicians like to present quick fixes, but despite the value of using different organisational models it will take hard work and dedication to make public service reforms work. What's great is that they are at least talking about this kind of thing!
Olof
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 budgets could more accurately provide for the real cost of supporting people.
If you want to influence the support available to voluntary and community groups on personalisation, take NCVO's three minute personalisation survey to let us know your thoughts and experiences of personalisation so far. The survey is open until Friday 6 November 2009.
Olof
We are always looking at ways to respond to the challenge posed by this driver - one of the key things that the Public Service Deliver Network does is brings together both VCOs and commissioners from public bodies to help them gain the skills to work together productively.
In September and October 2009 the network is running a two-day training suite for commissioners and front-line service providers. The topics are Navigating Funding Agreements (24 Sept) and Tendering for Better Services (22 Oct). I have posted more details on my profile page.
Olof
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.
Navigating Funding Agreements is on Thursday 24 September 2009
Tendering for Better Services is on Thursday 22 October 2009
Both expert-led events are at NCVO in London, and there is an NCVO member discount available and a special price if you book on both events.
Follow the links for more information on Public Service Delivery and Sustainable Funding.
Olof
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 blog, including views from various practitioners: Intelligent Giving – Child Sponsorship Does it Work?
It is important to consider all possible forms of income for the organisation. NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project gives advice and information diversifying your income streams to ensure long-term success, including our widely-used Income Spectrum Tool. We also provide advice on general fundraising methods, and ways to diversify your income such as trading and social enterprise.
Although you might struggle to make it along from Malawi, other readers may be interested in our Sustainable Funding Annual Gathering 2009 which takes place in London on 17 June. The day features practical support for voluntary and community groups and talks from top social entrepreneurs such as Sophi Tranchell, MD of Divine Chocolates, who sell Fairtrade chocolate in the UK to empower cocoa farmers in Ghana.