The Mutuals Support Programme offers support to both aspiring and growing Public Service Mutuals (mutuals) in England. The government is funding a package of support programmes to support public sector organisations across England to start a Public Service Mutual, and to support existing mutuals to thrive. A total of £1 million will be available to create new mutuals, or strengthen existing ones, by providing access to advice across areas including legal, financial, marketing, human resources and business planning.
A mentoring scheme will also allow newly-formed mutuals to benefit from one-to-one experienced advice and support, as well as a peer support network which will bring aspiring mutuals together to share their experiences, challenges and successes.
With public services under pressure, the government is looking for new ways of delivering services that meet and exceed people’s expectations and provide value for money to the taxpayer. Evidence demonstrates that the mutual model can be a viable alternative to delivering public services, compared to in-house or traditional outsourcing.
The government is awarding funding to support organisations in England considering becoming a Public Service Mutual. Organisations that wish to become or grow as Public Service Mutuals can apply for a share of up to £1.7 million in funding.
The Mutuals Support Programme 2 is now open for applications from Friday 1 February 2019 to Friday 22 February 2019 at 5pm.
Funding will be used to deliver training, support programmes and mentoring to expand the services mutuals provide to communities. All applicants will be required to demonstrate their commitment to their project and the mutual model by providing matched funding (minimum of 25%), in cash, towards the support needed.
This round of funding will be available until March 2020 and follows the £57,000 that was awarded in 2017 to support mutuals. For more information see their website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mutuals-support-programme-2 or contact at mutuals@culture.gov.uk or 020 7211 6000.
