Toolkits, Guides and Case Studies

Developing a large scale bidding consortium

This case study describes our experience in establishing a regional bidding consortium (as part of an LSIS project (led by the Third Sector National Learning Alliance) for third sector organisations in the South West (in this report 'third sector' refers to all social purpose independent organisations including voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises). It describes the process we went through, what worked well and lessons learnt. Although our initiative was focussed on third sector providers specifically, the case study tries to draw out key points for others across the learning and skills sector.

Access the full case study at the bottom of this page.

LSIS - Support for Collaborative Contracting

Supporting smaller independent training providers in collaborative contracting

Working with key sector organisations, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is helping providers to collaborate and respond to the introduction of Minimum Contract Levels (MCL) arrangements for 2011-12. This outline below summarises the support available and how to access it.

Collaborative contracting contact database

We are creating an online database of providers who are interested in collaborative contracting within their specialist areas of delivery. If you would like to be included and have access to the online database we will need your details and permission for them to be shared.

If you would like to submit your details for inclusion in the database, please complete the online expression of interest form.

The database is designed to assist you find potential partners and work together.

Resources to download

• MCL Factsheet (PDF document, 195KB)
• Partnership Adviser Role (PDF document, 57KB)
• Sub-contracting Toolkit (PDF document, 891KB)

Collaborative contracting toolkits

The Support for collaborative contracting programme offers six toolkits containing a wide range of resources. They offer practical support for providers in the learning and skills sector, who are considering partnerships or collaborative working. You can find up-to-date references to policy, useful tools, links to information and examples of good practice.

It is best for individuals representing separate provider organisations to find some way of moving through the resources together, even if some of the preparation is done in isolation.  You can usefully pool perceptions to help develop a common understanding to underpin effective joint working. You can download the resources as Word or PDF documents, or work through them online on this website using the links below

The toolkits cover the following themes:

• Managing risk
• Partnership working and planning
• Shared leadership and governance
• Shared services
• Sub-contracting
• Quality management

Further support can be accessed using your LSIS Account. To find out about how to access support please send an email to mclsp@lsis.org.uk