Provision of Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Support Service for the Borough of Rochdale

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) is made up of a diverse range of not for profit organisations, whichaim to support public action in a variety of ways. VCS organisations vary in size, and can be anything fromresidents associations to large charities.

The Integrated Commissioning Directorate (ICD) hosted between Rochdale Borough Council (RBC) and HMRCCG recognise that the delivery of the best health and social care outcomes for our population will be supportedby strengthening community resilience and building on the rich legacy of cooperation within the borough. ICDvalues the important role that the VCS already plays in supporting health and wellbeing across Rochdaleand recognises the need to enhance that role through the provision of a robust and sustainable infrastructureservice.

The core aim of this service is to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of people living inthe borough of Rochdale by DEVELOPING, CONNECTING and INSPIRING our VCS, strengthening resilienceand diversity and encouraging a SUSTAINABLE and robust sector. Rochdale's VCS is as diverse as its population; it includes a vast array of organisations, with individuals fromall faiths, backgrounds, abilities and ethnicities.

The service provider is required to ensure equal representationof all the organisations it supports, acting as a 'Voice for the Sector' and representing it at a strategic level,ensuring that organisations receive the recognition for the added value they bring. We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and pro-active organisation with an extensive knowledge of thethird and voluntary sector both generally and in Rochdale, with a specific focus on infrastructure support andproven track record of delivery.

There is a key emphasis placed upon this service to empower the sector ratherthan delivering services directly to residents themselves. The importance of impartiality of the service is alsoemphasised throughout this specification along with developing a robust, financially sustainable model for theservice moving forward. Contract period: 1st January 2019 to 31st March 2021 With the option to extend up to a further 2 years, to 31st March 2023 (subject to continued available funding) To access and download the tender documents please register on the CHEST portal at www.the-chest.org.uk The tender documents can be found in the Current Opportunities section for Rochdale Council.