The government expects 508 sub-contracted voluntary sector organisations to be involved in the delivery of the Work Programme, but has also advised that prime contractors on the programme can change providers over the course of its delivery.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) released the names of sub-contracted organisations on the Work Programme last week, to coincide with the official launch of the initiative.

In a statement, the DWP said 508 voluntary groups, including Mencap, Citizen’s Advice and Action for Blind People, will be sub-contracted on the Work Programme.

However, information included alongside the online list of sub-contracted organisations, advises that the list will change and evolve as providers identify best practice and grow their networks.

Providers have committed to informing the DWP of changes.

The Work Programme, which will run for seven years, is likely to be worth between £3bn and £5bn. It is being run on a payment-by-results basis.

Earlier this year, minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said he expected charities to receive £100m per year under the Work Programme.

Separately, NCVO has launched a special interest group to represent charities which are involved in the Work Programme.

Head of public services and partnerships at NCVO, Oliver Reichardt, said:“This group will be a vital forum for the charities involved in the Work Programme to share experiences and gather evidence in order to shape and influence policy. The Work Programme needs to deliver for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and it’s vital that the sub-contracting arrangements enable that to happen.”

The group will enable sub-contractors to share their experiences; provide them with information and advice; and enable NCVO to feed their concerns to government.