The programme of training, workshops, online modules and a resource hub is provided by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) and Voice4Change England.

The programme is fully funded, so VCSE organisations can access the support without charge. The training is targeted at different phases of interest, from just starting out to winning contracts, and for different sized organisations. 

What’s on offer?

These are the courses available from SSE:

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.

Find out more here: https://www.the-sse.org/vcse-contract-readiness-programme/ 

There is also a Public Services Hub containing resources for VCSEs on how best to work with the public sector, and on demystifying the VCSE for commissioners. This includes ways to improve awareness about the opportunities out there, and programmes to help become contract ready: https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/public-services-hub/