In recognition of their particular “expertise in providing community health and social care services and support”, the Bill also allows participation in the procurement of certain social care contracts to be restricted to voluntary organisations, meaning that only voluntary organisations would be permitted to bid for these contracts. If you agree with these proposals in the National Care Service Bill click the thumbs up button (👍) below. If you disagree with these proposals click the thumbs down button (👎) below. If you are unsure about the proposals and feel you need to know more about them click the question mark button (❓) below. If you have any additional comments about these proposals please provide them in the comment section below.
A much clearer explanation is required. Whilst I have sympathy with driving out the profit motive for the provision of care services, many voluntary organisations lack the business experience to deliver best value or lack business planning strategies that would drive economies of scale.
Whilst I support the principle, again, there needs to a high level of scrutiny on how services are being delivered by voluntary organisations, as again, there is a bias towards certain ‘established’ charitable organisations that have strong links, including explicit conflicts with Scottish ministers, in terms of Board memberships, which would lead to unfair or unlawful practices. The level of conflict of interest in Scottish Government is shocking.
I have concerns about both government interference, preferentiail treatment of certain suppliers and thus conflicts of interest. More clarity is needed, with clear definitions and examples
When you havebeen caring for 51 years you don't mind who provides the care as long as it is of good quality and high standard and properly funded.
Voluntary orgs/third sector deliver services in a different way. At Thistle, we focus on outcomes, instead of outputs. Person is able to engage in some sort of work/hobby, something valuable. Why is it only third sector orgs? Person centred very important. Whilst some contracts will be restricted for third sector, will the same apply for private? Therefore, are all contracts open to third sector to bid for?
Don’t agree with this restriction. May well lead to skewing the commissioning process
Really would like more detail on this one, feel I do not have information on this one.
It really needs to be said which sectors this could apply to? Currently there is a rapidly diminishing role of the voluntary sector in older adults care. This has lost some great providers of care eg Bield and Crossreach. This has increased even further the dodgy profit driven hedge fund owners in care provision.
The Third sector possibly needs to rebuild following covid. However given third sector organisations have delivered a variety of services for many years on limited funding, it would be good to have more financial security in the future. Therefore restricting some procurement to vol orgs only would hopefully provide more certainty! There should also be a degree of flexibility written into any service provision contract, thus taking away the need for third sector orgs to continually reinvent the wheel to access funding.
What are the "certain" social care contracts? - who decides?
Competition is good, it drives down cost, encourages improvement, innovation and efficiency. It is arguable that procurement frameworks stultify the above. Limiting contracts to only one sector may not deliver the best outcomes ( choice, quality, value for money) for people. How could government limit fairly? Quality of service is important. Third sector providers often operate in efficiently.
“They [3rd sector organisations] put a lot of work into building relationships and really listening and understanding the situation. How can a parent discuss their barriers if they face stigma from services? Services to work closer with charitable organisations to change approach” Evidence from Who Cares? Scotland Bairns Supper Report
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