Archived press release

Date Published: 06/12/06

The county and district councils in Buckinghamshire have approved an agreement that will lead to improved services for the voluntary sector. A joint contract for providing support services to local voluntary and community groups has been awarded ...

The county and district councils in Buckinghamshire have approved an agreement that will lead to improved services for the voluntary sector.

A joint contract for providing support services to local voluntary and community groups has been awarded to Voluntary Impact - a consortium made up of local groups who have provided these services locally over a number of years. These support services are vital in helping a strong and vibrant voluntary sector to grow in Buckinghamshire.

Voluntary Impact won the contract, worth £600,000 over three years, after bidding in a competitive tender process.

In 2005, the county and district councils conducted a funding review of voluntary infrastructure providers and as a result agreed that the five local authorities should jointly tender for these services. The aim was to provide improved support services for community and voluntary groups and ensure that the best services are available.  The process has also ensured value for taxpayers’ money, and will provide equal distribution of funding and services across the county.

The financial security and flexibility offered by this contract means that Voluntary Impact is now in a strong position to plan and deliver services. The consortium partners are also now working more closely together, ensuring that services will be delivered more effectively.

Bill Chapple, Cabinet Member for the Voluntary Sector at Bucks County Council said, “I am delighted to be able to award this contract to Voluntary Impact. The consortium partners can now move forward to work more closely in partnership with the local authorities under the security provided by having a contract. It is recognised that the process has at times been challenging, but it has delivered a really positive outcome. This will result in improved services being provided to the voluntary sector, helping those organisations that contribute so much to life in Buckinghamshire.”

Bill Reid, General Manager of the Priory Centre, High Wycombe, and spokesman for Voluntary Impact said,

"We are delighted with the result and look forward to working in harmony as a consortium and with local government partners. The staff and trustees currently working in the four organisations will continue to seek improvements to the high quality services provided to voluntary and community groups throughout Buckinghamshire. Closer working and cooperation mean we will be able to deliver the same high standards to all organisations across the county.”

For further information contact:

Sarah Ashmead,  Bucks County Council
Telephone: 01296 383649
Email: sashmead@buckscc.gov.uk

Bill Reid,   Voluntary Impact, and The Priory Centre, High Wycombe
Telephone: 01494 523440
Email: wyccvs@nascr.net