The Government’s aim to secure greater involvement of the third sector in the delivery of public services has been severely dented in the first test of a major procurement exercise. Only one third sector organisation was successful in securing a contract for the Department for Work and Pension’s pathways to work programme. 

Early in 2007 the Commission for Social Care Inspection commissioned a mystery shopping exercise, focusing on local councils to see what information they would give someone about social care services at the first point of contact. The mystery shoppers, posing as people asking about care for an older relative, contacted all 150 councils responsible for social care.
On the phone council staff generally gave good information and inspired confidence. 

This resource pack is intended for those who provide health and social care and it offers a gateway to important information needed to set up or expand a service in the health and social care arena. The pack is also helpful to commissioners of services who want to contract with social enterprises.
The vision is that more health and social care services will be provided in new and different ways, making them more convenient and effective for patients and service users.