The first of what is intended to be a rolling programme of masterclasses designed to increase the expertise of the voluntary and community sector in bidding for contracts is happening on the 25th and 26th of March in Manchester. This is part of a wider programme that includes the creation of a commissioning academy. The training is heavily subsidised as part of a market development strategy and is aimed at trustees, service managers, and senior staff. Nationally it is being organised by ACEVO, AVANTA, Capita, Ingeus, NAVCA, NCVO, Serco and Social Enterprise UK with funding through the Office for Civil Society. It is fuelled by central government concern that the voluntary and community sector may get pushed out of contracting due to lack of commercial expertise.