New North West VCFSE Commissioning Review Panel launched – call for sector submissions

Improve our understanding

We have launched a new North West VCFSE Commissioning Review Panel, aimed at driving improvements in commissioning and procurement of the VCFSE sector across the North West.

The panel has been established to evaluate real-life commissioning and funding experiences from VCFSE organisations, using these insights to identify best practice and develop practical recommendations to support fairer, more effective and transparent commissioning across the North West.

By capturing and reviewing case studies directly from VCFSE organisations, the panel seeks to:

• Improve understanding of how commissioning, procurement and funding processes impact VCFSE organisations of all sizes
• Identify what works well – and what could be done better – when engaging with the VCFSE sector
• Promote accountability, transparency and consistency in VCFSE commissioning and funding practice
• Strengthen partnership working between commissioners, funders and the VCFSE sector

Warren Escadale, Chief Executive of VSNW and VCFSE representative on the panel, said:

“The VCFSE sector plays a crucial role in delivering public services and prevention-focused support, yet commissioning and funding experiences vary widely and are not always well understood. The North West VCFSE Commissioning Panel provides an important opportunity to address that imbalance and strengthen shared cross-sector  understanding of what good VCFSE commissioning looks like.”

Call for submissions from the VCFSE sector

We are now inviting VCFSE organisations across the North West to submit commissioning, procurement or funding case studies to be reviewed by the panel.

Submissions can reflect both positive and challenging experiences and may cover:

• Grant funding or contract commissioning processes
• Procurement approaches and tendering requirements
• Recommissioning or decommissioning experiences
• Partnership and collaboration models
• Issues around timescales, proportionate monitoring, outcomes, or engagement

Submissions to the panel will be reviewed by members anonymously, using a consistent framework. Case studies will be discussed collectively by panel members, with key learning points captured to inform regional best practice recommendations.

How the panel works

The North West VCFSE Commissioning Review Panel brings together senior leaders and experienced commissioners from across the region including public sector, VCFSE sector, grant funders and academic partners. Panel members meet bi-annually to review submitted case studies, discuss key learning and identify recurring themes.

Over time, we will collate findings into a growing body of evidence to help shape more effective, inclusive and sustainable commissioning and funding approaches with the VCFSE sector.