Public procurement barriers were discussed as care minister Stephen Kinnock joined the second meeting of the Civil Society Council at 10 Downing Street last week, it has been confirmed.
At the meeting on 8 July, chaired by NCVO’s chief executive Kate Lee, sector leaders discussed progress made so far to improve collaboration between government and civil society.
This included the council’s “data-driven” work with the Cabinet Office to identify barriers preventing sector organisations from engaging in public procurement.
Last year, the Cabinet Office consulted on proposals to mandate other large public bodies to set direct spending targets with the sector.
According to a government summary of the meeting last week, training modules are being developed to build capability and understanding across the civil service and civil society.
An operating model, and supporting principles, are also being developed to embed participation and lived experience across government, it reads.
Kinnock emphasised the government’s plans for preventative, community-based health and care services focused on partnership working.
Reflections on how service models could be developed with civil society and communities were discussed at the meeting as well as the importance of trusted relationships and strong local infrastructure.
The minister agreed to continue working with council members to strengthen partnership working in the shift to neighbourhood health.
In a social media post on the meeting, NCVO said: “Efforts are already well underway to strengthen the relationship between civil society and government – so that the important work of our sector can be amplified.
“In the coming months and years, the council will continue to meet with the government to ensure close, effective collaboration.”
Manchester renews VCFSE commitment
Also on 8 July, representatives from Greater Manchester’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector met to mark a renewed regional collaboration agreement, based on the national Civil Society Covenant.
The Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord was agreed earlier this year and follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2017 between civil society organisations and the local health service.
It has now been updated, following the national covenant’s launch last year, with commitments for more VCFSE involvement in decision-making over the next nine years.
At the time the renewed accord was signed in March, former mayor Andy Burnham said: “Over the coming decade, we see our not-for-profit sector playing a much bigger role in the delivery of services and everyday support for our residents.”
