Over the course of the ERDF funded OxLEP eScalate business support programme, OSEP delivered a series of workshops, panel discussions and events to help Oxfordshire Social Enterprises, trading charities and purposeful businesses to get social procurement ready. This culminated in a ‘Meet The Buyer’ event with Oxford City Council, where over 100 organisations came together at Oxford Town Hall to find out more about social procurement and the tendering process.
OSEP is working with partners across all sectors to solve social and environmental issues by harnessing the power of enterprise for good.
OSEP is developing collaborations with key stakeholders in Oxfordshire to build on this work, and provide more support in this increasingly important area. While the team progress these projects, you can still access information on getting contract ready, via the School of Social Entrepreneurs VCSE Contract Readiness Programme. The resource is available virtually, and is Government funded.
About the programme
The UK Government spends approximately £290 billion a year on goods and services*. Charities and Social Enterprises in England – otherwise known as voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) – are obvious partners for government as they share a commitment to improving the lives of people and places.
This fully funded programme aims to support VCSE suppliers in England to work with government clients who can really help increase their impact. It also aims to help public sector commissioners to work with innovative organisations that share their values.
Government Contracts Revealed
90 minute webinar
Who it’s for: Charities and Social Enterprises interested in public sector procurement opportunities with little or no experience of tendering.
In a nutshell: Wondering about public sector procurement but not sure it’s right for you? You might be surprised at the opportunities. Start with this introductory webinar – you’ll get a clear overview of the process, meet a commissioner and discover where to find government contracts.
Government Contract Ready
One day online course
Who it’s for: Charities and Social Enterprises with turnover between £100,000 and £10m, wanting to get contract ready and bid for public sector contracts.
In a nutshell: Improve your prospects of winning public sector contracts. A one-day workshop plus three days of self-guided follow-on online modules.
Government Contract Wins
Four half days of online learning over six months
Who it’s for: Charities and social enterprises with a turnover between £250,000 and £10m, and consortiums with a combined turnover between this £250k – £10m threshold, determined to improve their success at bidding for public sector contracts.
In a nutshell: Four half-day workshops over six months in a cohort, covering opportunity mapping, bid writing, pitching and social value reporting.
Find out more
If you’d like to ask about any of these courses get in touch with Sarah on 020 7089 9120 or send a query.
Public Services Hub
SEUK have developed a new Public Services Hub containing resources for VCSEs on how best to work with the public sector. This includes ways to improve awareness about the opportunities out there, and programmes to help become contract ready.
The Public Services Hub also offers materials for commissioners to help de-mystify the VCSE sector. These include written guides, links to courses and workshops, and information on some of the funding resources available to help VCSEs get to a stage where they can bid for public sector contracts.
*Transforming Public Procurement (publishing.service.gov.uk).