Consortia delivery
Working together to deliver social impact
Social enterprises have a vital role to play in public and private sector service delivery. But large and complex procurement processes and contracts mean that small organisations often struggle to compete on their own.
Inspire2Enterprise builds consortia to help organisations work together. In a consortium, organisations can collaborate to bid for, win and deliver contracts. They can also increase their access to funding and build capacity through peer support, shared resources, experience and expertise.
Other benefits of working in consortia include:
- Combining resources to create a greater impact and enhance quality of service
- Bringing partners together to create proposals which meet the needs of clients and/or commissioners
- Bringing partners together to create a specific service or delivery model
- Maximising skills and knowledge to create innovative and successful solutions
- Disseminating best practice
Inspire2Enterprise acts as a broker and bridge between potential consortium partners, and can also provide vital links between social enterprise organisations and the social investment community.
Managing risks and expectations
As well as opportunities, there are risks associated with working in consortia, and organisations need to consider whether such a move is right for them. Is it the best use of their resources? Is it compatible with their mission and objectives? Will it deliver success to one partner at the expense of another?
Inspire2Enterprise can help organisations assess and manage these risks, providing expert guidance, support and advice on a range of consortium issues.
“Consortia working can bring specific benefits both in terms of the quality of service that beneficiaries receive, and for consortia members who may experience increased access to funding; capacity-building; peer learning and support; shared resources and raised profile. However it is not without risk” Charity Commission