The Department for Work and Pensions is tomorrow launching a consultation on its commissioning strategy for its welfare-to-work programmes, which includes the Work Programme.
But Compact Voice has voiced concerns about the short timeframe for the consultation, which is expected to be eight weeks.
Speaking to civilsociety.co.uk Tom Elkins, a manager with Compact Voice, said the Compact commitment with government advised a 12-week period for consultation, with an explanation if there are shorter timeframes.
He said he hoped the welfare-to-work consultation, out tomorrow, will include a clear statement on why the timeframe is shorter than the Compact advises, and what steps it has taken to make sure it does not diminish the quality of the consultation.
Elkins also added that the consultation should explain why it is taking place during the summer holidays, when many people are away.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said the consultation was about supporting the development of the DWP's 2013 commissioning strategy for welfare-to-work services. It will be seeking views on how to use private, voluntary, community and public sector providers to deliver welfare-to-work services.
He added: "The 2013 commissioning strategy will comprise a high-level set of principles which describe and guide DWP's commissioning approach, rather than being specific to any particular programme."
The government’s biggest welfare-to-work scheme is the Work Programme. It has had a troubled history since its inception in 2011. Umbrella bodies have warned it risks damaging the financial sustainability of charities involved; some organisations have closed down, blaming the Programme; and charities working outside the Work Programme have complained they are subsidising it.
However, government has itself been critical of charities involved in the Work Programme. Justice minister Chris Grayling, who was minister for employment when the Work Programme began, has argued charities need more "commercial savvy". And most recently minister for civil society Nick Hurd has said charities treated the Work Programme as a "funding exercise".
