What Support is Available?

Mutuals Support Programme

The Mutuals Support Programme provides professional support to new and developing mutuals so they can overcome barriers to growth.

The Mutuals Information Service refers eligible organisations for this support. You can access support directly online or for established mutuals and those who have already left the public sector but continue to deliver public services and want to become a mutual we recommend you call the helpline on this number 0845 5390 543.

"Support from the Mutuals Support Programme has been a tremendous help."

 

Andy Rennison, Assistant Director, 3BM, a Mutual Pathfinder

Find out more about the Mutuals Information Service and the Mutuals Support Programme, or discover more about the contracts already awarded under the Mutuals Support Programme, such as £95,000 support for Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Social Enterprise Investment Fund

Health and social care organisations wanting to leave the public sector and set up mutuals should contact the Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF).

The Department of Health’s Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) supports social enterprises to deliver innovative health and social care services and products as well as to invest to help social enterprises to become sustainable in the longer term.

Applications are now open for the 2012/2013 round of the SEIF, after Department of Health announced a further £19 million investment for social enterprises.

For more information on the process for applying, applicant workshops and eligibility, please visit the Social Investment Business website.

The Social Enterprise Investment Fund is managed on the behalf of the Department for Health by The Social Investment Business, working in partnership with Local Partnerships.

Central Government Support

Cabinet Office is also supporting the adoption of new commercial models for delivering services across central government departments, including mutuals, mutual joint ventures and in-house transformation. If you are a civil servant and want to drive efficiency and reform in your organisation, the Cabinet Office can provide practical advice and expertise.

Get in touch with the team by emailing them.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

While the support programme is specific to England, the challenges for spinning out of public services are common to the four countries across the United Kingdom. Each will consider the most appropriate arrangements in those areas where they have devolved responsibility to address the issues in ways that meet their own circumstances and need. If you are in doubt about whether a service in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland could become a public service mutual, you should check with the relevant Government.