The Department of Health and NHS London have funded the development of a new database of civil society organisations that deliver health services, to help GPs and local authorities to commission relevant services.

The database, called On the Radar, will go live on 17 October and is intended to be used by commissioners tendering new public health contracts.

Voluntary organisations will also be able to use it to research potential partners to bid jointly for contracts.

As On the Radar is still in its infancy, it mainly contains information about alcohol services. However, drug, mental health, healthy eating, physical activity and many others will gradually be added as the database expands.

The project has been developed by the London Voluntary Service Council, and its pilot stage was carried out in partnership with London Drugs & Alcohol Network and Age UK London.

LVSC head of policy Alison Blackwood said On the Radar would enable London’s public health commissioners to identify gaps in services and new development opportunities for sector groups. “The project will ensure that during and after transition from PCT to GP commissioning and the development of local Health and wellbeing Boards, London’s GPs and boroughs are supported to commission appropriate, evidence-based and locally-led services.”