To support the VCSE sector to take advantage of the opportunities the Social Value Model brings, the government has awarded a grant to the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), Social 
Enterprise UK (SEUK) and Voice4Change England (V4CE) to deliver a comprehensive support offer for charities and social enterprises in England. VCSEs can gain the skills required to move into the world of securing public sector contracts – and thus build the diversity of supply and the quality of public provision.
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.
SSE is delivering a range of fully funded online learning for charities and social enterprises charities and social enterprises in England. Three course types are available, each designed for organisations at a different stage of contract readiness.
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 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.
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.