Guidance on Commissioning & Procurement

Terminology
A good starting-place might be to check your understanding of terminology through the Glossary of Procurement and Commissioning Terms.

Key Resource Banks
Two key general resource banks are:

1. Public Service Delivery (NCVO); and
2. Successful Procurement and Negotiation in the Third Sector (Finance Hub).

Within the NCVO resource bank, the obvious starting-point is: Public Service Delivery for VCOs : A first steps guide

Key sections in the guide can also be accessed directly:

• Some basic definitions;
• The move to contracting;
• The procurement process;
  
• Identifying opportunities;
  
• Submitting a tender;
  
• Negotiating contracts;
  
• The legal framework;
  
• Full cost recovery;
  
• Working with others;
  
• Measuring Impact.

The Handy Guide to Tendering and Procurement (Tendering for Care) also sets out the legal context for procurement.

The Finance Hub’s key briefings can also be accessed directly:

• Tendering and Bidding;
• Impact;
  
• Negotiation;
  
• VAT.

VAT
Essential guidance on VAT issues is found in HMRC Notice 701/1 Charities (May 2004), NB section 5.10 on Grant Funding.

Help in deciding whether a charity is making a taxable supply for VAT purposes may be available from the HMRC National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000.