Lessons from the Work Programme in the reform of rehabilitation services
In a response to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation paper, ‘Transforming Rehabilitation: A revolution in the way we manage offenders’, ERSA has highlighted the lessons that should be learned from the experience of providers of welfare to work services under payment by results contracts and examined the areas where integration with employment related services should be extended.
ERSA’s response suggested that the new service should be assessed based on an emphasis of quality over cost and highlighted the importance of allowing significant time for procurement in order to allow potential prime contractors and subcontractors to progress dialogue, access finance and form joint venture or consortia where necessary.
ERSA fully supports the government’s commitment to encouraging the involvement fn the voluntary sector. ERSA recommendations to facilitate this include ensuring that paperwork is minimised with a standard Expression of Interest (EOI) form and the adoption of the Merlin Standard to ensure fairness in supply chain relationships.
