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Monday Sep 04, 2006
Transforming the public sector
In the ongoing debate about the proper role for voluntary organisations in providing public services, comes an interesting booklet (PDF file) from Ann Blackmore for NCVO.
She questions the current focus on procurement processes – ie how best to enable voluntary sector to bid for contracts – and call instead for fundamental reforms.
The key point for Blackmore is that "Many VCOs have a greater ability to engage with and understand the needs of users and communities than statutory agencies are able to do" (p7). That's why they "have a strong track record in generating innovative learning about people's real needs and in creatively designing and delivering services that reflect those needs."
The key to transforming public services is not just to have a different organisation providing the service, but to provide the service in a completely different way.
The challenge, as Blackmore recognises, is that this kind of approach requires a more sophisticated contract commissioning process, more understanding of the way voluntary organisations work and, sometimes, more money.
It's not the quick-fix solution that contract commissioners, be they in local or central government, so often seem to want.
Posted by Tom Green ( 1:40 PM ) Link to this post Comments[0]