Working with the Council: Commissioning and Contracts

This event is designed as a friendly, accessible introduction for social enterprises who are interested in working with local authorities but may be unsure where to start.

The event will begin with an informal networking session, giving you time to meet other local social enterprises and officers from Cumberland Council, CSEP & CVS , make connections, and have relaxed conversations before the speakers begin. There’s no pressure, no pitching, and no expectation to already understand procurement or commissioning, this is simply a chance to connect, share experiences, and start building relationships.

Following networking, you’ll hear from a small group of speakers working across social enterprise support, commissioning and procurement, including:

• Joanna Coleman, Social Enterprise Manager, Cumberland Council
• Carolyn Otley, Chief Executive, Cumbria CVS
• Debbie Heard, Service Manager – Procurement, Cumberland Council
• Lisa Studholme, Service Manager – People and Commissioning, Cumberland Council

The speakers will then cover a number of topics:

• Explanations of common terminology (Commissioning/Procurement/CHEST etc)
• An overview of future commissioning priorities
• How social enterprises can start engaging early with the council
• What commissioners are looking for in small-scale and local contracts
• What services/supplies Social Enterprises could over to the Council
• Opportunities for partnership and collaboration, including across health and care
• Practical insights into capacity building and becoming “contract-ready”
• Time for questions and open discussion, with no jargon and no assumptions

The session is suitable for social enterprises of all sizes, including those who have never worked with the council before, those exploring opportunities for the future, and those interested in collaborating with others.

This is not a bidding session, assessment, or training course. It’s a supportive space to learn, ask questions, build understanding and start conversations with the people who shape how things work locally.