Call for evidence: funding of voluntary sector organisations

Response from RNIB Cymru

About us

As the leading organisation of blind and partially sighted people in the Wales, RNIB Cymru is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to this call for evidence.

RNIB is a membership organisation with over 9,000 members who are blind, partially sighted or the friends and family of people with sight loss. 80 per cent of our Trustees and Assembly Members are blind or partially sighted. We encourage members to be involved in our work and regularly consult with them.

Comments

RNIB Cymru has received funding from the National Assembly We support many of the calls in WCVA's response.  It would be particularly helpful if the following was issued:

• Guidance on the funding options open to commissioners (grants, open competitive tendering, preferred bidders) for supporting third sector service delivery, and the circumstances in which each can be used;

• Guidance on ensuring a level playing field for potential providers in any sector;

• Guidance on developing service specifications and assessment criteria that include and measure equality; social justice; citizen-centeredness, sustainability, additionality and local impact;  

• An analysis of the circumstances in which the third sector may be identified as the preferred provider of particular types of services;

• Guidance on full engagement with potential providers at all stages

• Commitment to full cost recovery;

• Guidance on balancing risks between provider and commissioner;

• Guidance on appropriate monitoring and evaluation.

We feel that guidance and commitments in these areas would help ensure consistency across all departments in the way they commission services and provide funding.  Full cost recovery is particularly important as funding to voluntary sector organisations from the public is decreasing.

If you would like any further information, please contact:

Kate Hughes
Policy and Communications Officer
RNIB Cymru
Trident Court
East Moors Road
Cardiff
CF24 5TD

Tel: 029 2044 9577
Email: kate.hughes@rnib.org.uk