Key drivers of the public sector

Understanding what drives the public sector may assist voluntary and community organisations in achieving success in contracting.

Value for money – this does not always mean at the lowest price. Organisations able to demonstrate added value at a higher price are often favoured. For example, they may demonstrate cost savings elsewhere or be able to create improvements such as equality of opportunity or focus on community benefits.

Efficiency – the public sector is constantly under pressure to deliver efficiency savings. This could mean reducing costs or finding more innovative ways of delivering services. Many public sector organisations are also working in partnership to purchase services to share the administrative burden.

Sustainability – public sector organisations must be confident in an organisation’s ability to develop resources and deliver the service over the lifetime of the contract. Voluntary and community organisations must demonstrate how they could change and adapt services to meet changing demands, needs and legislative requirements.

Community benefit – the public sector is increasingly becoming concerned with the social, economic and environmental benefits that result from the provision of their services. The Third Sector is well placed to assist the public sector in meeting their targets of improving the quality of life for all.