The Financial Scrutiny Committee of Manchester City Council met on Thursday 9th Jan. The two main items under consideration were reports on "Commissioning of Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations" and an "Update of Progress in Developing the Commissioning Hub". The Council Executive has decided to set up a task and finish group, led by Councillor Paul Andrews, to discuss commissioning.
The report into commissioning of the voluntary and community sector organisations details the types and level of funding (£46 million) and the various approaches the council could take in creating greater consistency in grant-making. Macc is involved in these discussion and is also working with the council to renew the Voluntary Sector Compact and develop a VCS strategy.
The Integrated Commissioning Hub was established in July 2013. Andy Bowie, the Head of the Hub, reported on how the hub has: brought together all commissioning done by the council under one dept (over 150 separate areas of commissioning); managed the overall process of cuts in spending; introduced training and a commissioning library to increase expertise; and introduced IT management systems. Hazel Summers, Head of Strategic Commissioning, reported that over 75% of adult and children's welfare services are now externally commissioned.