Dorset Council VCS Support Service - Communication, Networking and Sector Representation

The Council want to commission a provider to facilitate strategic representation, communication, liaison and partnership working across sectors.

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) plays a vitally important role in helping the council deliver part of the Council Plan. They work innovatively and collectively to add to the richness of local life and help people who need additional assistance and support.

The Council is supporting the voluntary sector by procuring a range of services via the VCS Support Services Procurement. This project specifically covers Communication, Networking and Sector Representation.

The Council has a strong track record of working effectively with the voluntary and community sector to deliver a diverse range of quality projects and services in Dorset's communities. The aim is to build on the Council's strong history of working with communities to support positive change by developing new approaches to making communities stronger, vibrant, and more resilient.

The role of local support services for the sector is seen as an important enabler to achieving the ambitions of the Council, as it provides services, support and advice to, and promotes, local charities, community groups and social enterprises that deliver social action.

The contract will be awarded to one Tenderer on an 18-month term at the fixed price envelope of £60,000 as a pilot to allow the provider(s) to demonstrate the success of their delivery model and give the Council the assurance and flexibility to adjust the model as the sector develops beyond Covid-recovery.

Tenderers should note that the Council is running a concurrent open tender procedure for provision of Support Services - VCS - Training, Support and Development.