Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) values the positive contribution that the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sectors make within the borough. There are an estimated 3400 organisations of various sizes present within the borough and it is recognised that the services and activities delivered by the VCFSE sector are essential for communities to thrive. SMBC is committed to investment in the infrastructure that supports this sector. The current VCFSE Infrastructure Support contract will expire on 30 September 2024. There is a growing focus on prevention, early help, and a recognition of the contribution of the VCFSE sector in this agenda. The Council's relationship with and understanding of the VCFSE sector has also significantly changed, which is most noticeable in the growth of the Communities Division. A review and redesign of VCFSE Infrastructure Support in Solihull was carried out in consultation with stakeholders including the VCFSE sector during 2023 to ensure going forward the support will better reflect the operating environment and acknowledge the impact of the COVID pandemic, increases in the cost of living and the war in Ukraine. As part of the case for change the following areas were identified as needing more focus and improvement: o VCFSE engagement and representation. o Inequalities in the VCFSE sectors, particularly between the north locality and the rest of the borough. o Assurance and confidence in the capability and capacity of VCFSE organisations. This includes safeguarding. o Engagement with public sector procurement and commissioning This service is being procured in accordance with the Regulation 74 - 77 under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Providers will be expected to provide a response to a social value question; this will be assessed as part of the tender evaluation. The deadline for tender submissions is 12:00 on Monday 3 June 2024. The window for queries will close at 5pm on Monday 20 May 2024.
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