Press Release
NCVO welcomes Audit Commission commitment to the 'transformation' of public services
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has welcomed the Audit Commission report on commissioning public services from the voluntary sector, which commits to the transformation of services, recognising the importance of the sector in identifying need and designing services. NCVO has long campaigned for this approach, which it claims will make a real difference to public services and the lives of people who use them.
Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of NCVO said:
'This report reiterates many of the points that we have been making for a number of years, particularly the Audit Commission's call for the sector to be involved in identifying needs and designing services. It is encouraging to know that the days of government advocating a whole scale transfer of services to the voluntary sector are over.
'However, while we accept that voluntary organisations should be able to demonstrate the value they bring, the real point is that government must be clear about is what qualities, values and skills it wants voluntary sector partners to bring to the table when delivering public services.
He continued to talk about the local relationship:
'The report highlights problems that exist at a local level, with local government often seeing a conflict between involving the voluntary sector and achieving efficiency or value for money. We believe that forthcoming initiatives, particularly the national training programme for Third Sector commissioning, provide a real opportunity to resolve these tensions and demystify the commissioning process.
While the focus of the report is firmly on the role of the voluntary sector in public service delivery, Etherington said that it was important to remember the other work that is carried out by voluntary organisations:
'Voluntary and community organisations contribute enormously to community life, campaign for social change, and enable people to play an active part in their communities. This work should also be appreciated and supported.'
For further information, or an interview, please contact Siobhan Wakely in NCVO's Media Office on 020 7 520 2569 or Siobhan.wakely@ncvo-vol.org.uk.
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