What is the voluntary and community sector?

The voluntary and community sector is a priority area for the Commissioning Support Programme. The voluntary and community sector (VCS) means different things to different people and this breadth and flexibility is the strength of the sector. The VCS has consistently shown that it can respond very quickly to the needs of local areas in an effective and meaningful way.

The VCS often comprises small community groups, usually formed around a single issue or neighbourhood. Other groups or organisations that can be involved are registered, foundation trusts, social enterprises including co-operatives mutuals and free schools.

The government’s Big Society initiative is designed to empower communities and they recognise the VCS as a key player in public service reform.

VCS and commissioners

Local commissioners will be crucial to the delivery and success of the Big Society vision and the health and vibrancy of the VCS market to respond to local needs and deliver better life chances for our children and families. They will be the gateway to this and through them the following will be embedded:

• Decentralisation – transferring commissioning decisions to communities, neighbourhoods and individual levels.
• Transparency – the opportunities for communities to be part of the solution to their problems.
• Provision of finance – commissioners will know and understand the value of all that providers are delivering.