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Grants to Contracts - the latest news direct from MONICA WAMBU AT SCC

Category: Voluntary Sector News
  “Changing from Grants to Contracts in SurreyAs you will be aware, there is a growing requirement for public bodies to move from grant funding to contractual arrangements.  There are important differences between these funding arrangements, in that the grant is a looser arrangement, an assistance, whereas a contract is a legal document outlining the purchasing of services or goods, with clearer outputs and outcomes.Why Change?The reason for this shift is to comply with legislation, build stronger and stable relationships; to better match strategic needs and shared goals; improve planning, monitoring and reviewing, resulting in more clarity for all concerned.How will this work?The County Council wants to ensure the transition is smooth and effective for everyone involved, the Council will be introducing the change in 3 phases.  When will the change happen?Phase 1 organisations will move from grants to contracts by April 2009.   Surrey County Council expect Phase 2 to be completed during 2009/10.  Phase 3 will start in 2009/10 and will be completed by 2010/11.  Surrey County Council will keep Voluntary Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) organisations informed of any changes in the timelines.   Organisations in Phases 2 & 3 will be informed by early 2009/10.How were organisations selected?A number of considerations were taken into account when deciding which      organisations should be included in which phase. For example organisations in Phase 1 have been selected because the County Council has been undertaking a strategic review of a number of services, and looking at how funding is distributed.  Other considerations included compliance with applicable Contract laws.How can Phase 1 organisations find out more?Surrey County Council are holding an event specifically for Phase 1               organisations on Tuesday 9 September 2008, to talk through some of these changes and implications and to offer support for this process.  Phase 2         organisations will be contacted by early 2009/10.  Is any support available?We hope you view this as a positive change and we look forward to working with you and supporting you through this.  Support will also be available through Councils of Voluntary Service.When will organisations be told they are in Phase 1?In line with the Surrey Compact, groups involved in Phase 1 have already been informed and are encouraged to contact the named service manager, if they have any immediate questions or need any points clarified.  A selection of     frequently asked questions can also be found on SCC’s website.For further information about changes from grants to contracts contactNicholas Richmond Smith Procurement Category Manager 020 8541 7990 nickrs@surreycc.gov.uk  Monica Wambu, VCFS and Diversity Senior Manager 0208 541 7257 monica.wambu@surreycc.gov.uk”

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