Provision of Infrastructure Support to the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)

Description

Dorset Council is supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) by procuring a range of services via the Infrastructure Support project. The main aim of the infrastructure services is to enable community groups and voluntary organisations to develop, build greater reliance, self-sustaining capacity and capabilities to deliver activities and services that benefit the users of their services and communities. They are also commissioned to provide strategic representation, liaison and partnership working across sectors. The Council is conducting an open tender procedure for the following lots: Lot 1 – Organisational Infrastructure Support (Voluntary, Community and Social Sector) - organisational support, development and capacity building Lot 2 – Volunteer Infrastructure Support - general volunteer support, development and capacity building Contracts will be awarded for a period of up to five years (initial period of 3 years plus an optional extension period of a further 2 years). Each lot will be awarded to one Provider. Providers may be awarded multiple lots. Consortium bids are welcome via a lead provider. Tenderers should note that the Council is running a concurrent open tender procedure for provision of Information, Advice and Guidance Services (project ref. DN538409). Lot 1: Organisational Infrastructure Support (Voluntary, Community and Social Sector) Lot 1 – Organisational Infrastructure Support (Voluntary, Community and Social Sector) - organisational support, development and capacity building In summary: o VCS professional organisational support to increase capacity and brokerage o Training and development o Facilitating networking and partnerships o Sector representation for the Council’s service development programmes Lot 2: Volunteer Infrastructure Support Lot 2 – Volunteer Infrastructure Support - general volunteer support, development and capacity building In summary: o Organisational support to volunteer activity o Training and development o Facilitating networking and partnerships o Sector representation for the Council’s service development programmes