Government Announces Tendering Masterclasses for VCSE organisations

The Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd has announced that from 2013, voluntary sector organisations will have the opportunity to attend a series of new practical workshops to help them capitalise on opportunities to work for Government.

The masterclasses were announced in the Making it Easier for Civil Society to Work with the State - Progress Update paper, which set out the Government's progress and future plans regarding greater VCSE involvement in public services.

The aim of the masterclass programme is to help the voluntary sector to strengthen its commercial skills, and bid successfully for public service contracts. The programme will be developed in partnership between the Government in partnership with both VCSE and private sector organisations.

VCSE organisations will be primarily responsible for developing and promoting the masterclasses, and making sure they are relevant to the needs of the sector audience. Private sector organisations will provide pro-bono commercial expertise and share their experiences in tendering for large Government contracts.

The masterclasses will be targeted at VCSE managers and trustees responsible for tendering and will develop key skills across a range of areas including writing winning bids, adjusting to changes in the tender process, developing consortia and financial skills, such as how to profile and manage risks.

For further information on the workshops, which will be held regionally across England in order to maximise impact and make sure everyone benefits, visit www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/cabinet-office-launches-masterclasses-voluntary-sector.