VCSE skills procurement conversation

This event will bring together VCSE organisations with partners to discuss the procurement process, current barriers and more. This event is hosted by colleagues from Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, Devon County Council, Devon Communities Together and the Torbay, Plymouth and Devon VCSE Assembly. Attendees will hear about skills procurement opportunities expected over the next two years, including those linked to the Adult Skills Fund, Connect to Work, Skills Bootcamps and more. The session will also provide practical information about procurement processes, bid writing and the requirements organisations need to consider when applying for funding or contracts. A key focus of the event will be hearing directly from VCSE organisations about their experiences of submitting bids for skills contracts. Through facilitated discussions, attendees will be able to share the barriers they face, identify the support that would help them participate and suggest ways that future market engagement could be improved. Feedback from these conversations will then be discussed by a panel of representatives from the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, Devon County Council and the VCSE sector, with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. The event will conclude with an optional networking lunch.