Staffordshire County Council has commissioned a VCSE Sector Strategic Capacity Building Partner. This will be a strategic partnership that will:

— Build capacity in the local VCSE sector in a targeted way, focusing on prevention, early help and local need.

— Provide strong leadership, working in partnership with other infrastructure organisations locally and effectively supporting the Council to deliver its priorities.

— Ensure the Council can work effectively with the VCSE sector to co-design commissioning strategies and community based approaches.

— Support the local VCSE sector to be sustainable and lead on bringing additional funding into Staffordshire.

One economic operator has been appointed and there is one contract lot across the area of Staffordshire, excluding Stoke-on-Trent.

The Framework Agreement is anticipated to commence on 1.8.2016 and expire on 31.7.2020. The value of the Framework Agreement is 2 375 820 GBP to 4 119 700 GBP over a total 5 year Call Off period which comprises of;

— The Council's maximum budget for the services is 791 940 GBP per annum for Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 of the Framework Agreement. The Council intends to Call Off the Framework Agreement for 3 years. The Framework Agreement will be reviewed to assess performance and a decision will be made during the Contract Period with regards to a Call-Off Contract being entered into for a further period of up to 2 years after Year 3. During any further Call Off Contract after Year 3 a possible budget saving of 500 000 GBP may be applied.

— 100 000 GBP from Tamworth Borough Council, at a maximum of 20 000 GBP per annum, Tamworth Borough Council does not guarantee any work during the term of the Agreement.

— 60 000 GBP from Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council, at a maximum of 12 000 GBP per annum, Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council does not guarantee any work during the term of the Agreement.