When the going gets tough: Charities' experiences of public sector commissioning (2012)

This report provides an in-depth insight into how changes in public sector commissioning are affecting the charity sector. Based on a survey of charities that have an income over £800,000 and that earn some of this income from government, it finds that over 90% believe they face more risk in the 
current commissioning environment than before, which appears to be driven by three elements: new funding mechanisms, delivery of services in partnership, and cuts to charity sector income. This report argues that commissioning must work for charities in order for people in need get the best support available, for the charity sector to continue flourishing and for the government’s vision of the Big Society to be achieved.