This snapshot taken on 07/04/2010, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Last updated: 30 November 2008
December 6 saw the launch of Partnership in Public Services: An Action Plan for Third Sector Involvement, which aims to make it easier for third sector organisations to work with central and local government.
The Public Service Action Plan, sets out commitments from six government departments to ensure that the third sector can contribute to the way public services are designed, delivered, improved and held to account.
It announces the creation of a national programme to build the skills of 2,000 commissioners of services, ensuring those who plan public services have the skills they need to involve the sector properly.
It also announces a £30m fund for refurbishing local assets being transferred to the ownership or long-term management of third sector groups; commitments to streamline both the administration of contracts and the assurance process for organisations that work with more than one government agency; and the creation of an Innovation Exchange website to connect innovators in the sector with those who can support their work.
Other important elements of the plan include outlining areas of opportunity for the third sector to take on a central role in delivering services to the public. It also includes commitments to use the reforms in the Local Government White Paper to ensure stable contracts for the sector, enabling the better planning of resources.
In addition, a forum to align the creation of commissioning frameworks in Government departments will be established, as will a review of contracting principles to ensure that smaller third sector organisations can partner with larger organisations to deliver services.
The Action Plan was launched jointly with the interim report for The Third Sector Review in the Chancellor's Pre-Budget speech.