The first part of this report shares the experiences of voluntary organisations, and one local authority, involved in the transformation of public services. There are some learning points from the Work Programme and Community Budgets but its main focus is on sharing best practice and innovation. This includes coproduction in commissioning, large and small organisations working in consortia, and the use of open-data to increase accountability.
The final three chapters consider some possible barriers to the voluntary sector’s involvement in public services. They focus on managing risks for providers, the potential of social investment and the need for central government to ensure minimum standards are upheld.