Commissioning Challenges in Greater Manchester's VCSE Sector
This blog explores the key commissioning challenges facing Greater Manchester’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector and sets out practical ways to address them. The article emphasises the vital role played by VCFSE organisations in supporting communities, tackling social issues, and delivering essential services, while highlighting the barriers that can limit their ability to secure and deliver commissioned work effectively.
One of the principal challenges identified is the complexity of commissioning processes. Procurement and contracting systems can be highly bureaucratic and difficult to navigate, particularly for smaller, grassroots organisations with limited resources. The blog argues that simpler processes, clearer expectations, and greater use of grants and flexible funding would make commissioning more accessible.
The article also highlights inequalities in organisations’ capacity to participate. Because the VCSE sector includes organisations of vastly different sizes and levels of maturity, smaller and newer groups can struggle to compete against larger providers. This can reduce diversity, innovation, and community representation within commissioned services.
Another key concern is the prevalence of short-term funding and commissioning cycles. The blog argues that a focus on immediate outcomes and cost savings can undermine workforce stability, innovation, and long-term social impact. It calls for a more balanced approach that recognises the value of sustained investment in communities.
The blog further identifies fragmentation across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, with differing priorities and commissioning requirements creating inefficiencies for organisations operating across multiple areas. It also stresses the need for greater capacity-building support, including training, development, governance support, and funding that reflects the true costs of service delivery.
Finally, the article argues that stronger community engagement should be embedded within commissioning processes to ensure services reflect local needs and priorities. It concludes that simplifying commissioning, reducing inequalities, supporting organisational development, encouraging collaboration, and adopting a longer-term perspective would help the VCSE sector thrive and maximise its impact across Greater ManchesteR.
Read the blog in full at the link below.
