13 new providers included in latest funding contracts

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In a ministerial award-giving ceremony last week contracts worth £7.6 million were awarded by the LSC to 43 Third Sector organisations, 16 of which are new suppliers.

As a part of the LSC’s commitment to building relationships with the Third Sector, the Working Together Advisory Group, launched in December 2006, brought together experts from across the Third Sector to advise the LSC on policy and strengthen its links with its partners. In the last twelve months, the Group has focused on simplifying the application process for LSC contracts.

Talking about the Third Sector, LSC’s key strategic and delivery partner in developing policies and programmes to improve disadvantaged communities, Chris Banks, Chairman of the LSC, pointed out: “The Third Sector has a vital role to play in reaching out to the hardest to help in our society, providing opportunities to learn and train that wouldn”t otherwise exist. That is why the LSC is dedicated to improving its working relationship with its Third Sector partners; and following the advice of the LSC’s Third Sector Working Together Group, we are updating tendering conditions and support to applicants, making it more accessible for Third Sector organisations.

“All of these measures will support the LSC’s and the Third Sector’s shared aim of ensuring that we help the most disadvantaged in our society to fulfil their potential.”

To enhance this success, the LSC, advised by the Working Together Advisory Group, is extending the coverage of Train to Gain to fully fund volunteers seeking Skills for Life or first Level 2 qualifications and a contribution towards the costs of a Level 3 qualification, as well as the employees of Third Sector organisations who are already served by the Service.

According to Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector, charities, voluntary groups and other Third Sector organisations are working hand in hand to address some of the most challenging issues of the society.

David Lammy MP, Minister for Skills, said: “The Plan for Growth set out our ambitions to make Train to Gain the Governments premier skills service. By 2010-11 the Government will spend more than £1 billion through Train to Gain to support employers of all sizes in all sectors, including the voluntary sector.”

However, the LSC’s relationship with the Third Sector will be determined by the strategies and priorities set by Government, concentrating on maximum participation from and attainment for young adults, economically valuable skills and economic and social inclusion for adults.

Rinku Chatterjee