There is an upcoming opportunity for public service leaders to apply for central government funding to pay for professional support to explore and implement new delivery models. The Mutual Support Programme will be opening for applications this month.
The programme supports services, such as children’s and adults social care, public health, primary care, community care and cultural services such as libraries, to test their current model and explore if a new model (possibly more independent from the public sector) could increase impact and efficiency.
The benefits of exploring new delivery models include: creating an environment where the right balance can be struck between resources and demand; empowerment of staff leading to greater accountability and productivity; the ability to respond more quickly to increasingly complex service user needs; and the ability to generate additional traded income to plug funding gaps.
Mutual Ventures (MV) has been the leading provider to the Mutual Support Programme since its inception seven years ago and currently leads one of only two consortia who are able to provide professional support through this funding.
The MPS programme is applicable to all public services – but examples of services which have been created with the support of MV and the Mutual Support Programme include:
Achieving for Children- Richmond and Kingston councils took the radical step of creating a new local authority owned social enterprise, Achieving for Children, to deliver their shared Children’s services. MV worked with both Councils to develop the new organisation, including advising on business development and strategic marketing, and helping the team to design and implement new staff engagement practices. It was the first alternative delivery model across the UK providing a fully integrated suite of children’s services. The organisation has subsequently integrated the Windsor and Maidenhead children’s services with the council as an equal partner.
Libraries Unlimited – MV worked with Devon Council to establish their libraries service as an independent staff and community owned mutual with charitable status (Libraries Unlimited). This was in response to changing community needs and financial constraints. Being a charity enables Libraries Unlimited to ensure that customers, staff and communities directly influence the design of services and the future of the organisation.
PossAbilities – MV supported Rochdale Council to move their adult social care service into an independent staff owned mutual (PossAbilities) who support vulnerable people to ‘live the life they choose’. MV’s work with PossAbilities has supported their business planning and development of commercial skills. Following our support, PossAbilities have been extremely successful, winning new contracts and achieving outstanding ratings from CQC.
We are expecting a new MSP application window to open this month and are asking interested public sector leaders to get in touch with us now. The earlier you get in touch the better as we can start supporting you to think through and plan you application.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss the MSP programme and register your interest info@mutualventures.co.uk.