A Practical Guide to Alternative Delivery Models

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Alternative service delivery models of various shapes and sizes are increasingly being used to deliver a growing number and range of public services in many locations in the UK.

An alternative delivery model can be a different way of managing, collaborating and contracting, or it can involve the establishment of a completely new organisation that could be wholly, or partly owned by the parent body or a completely independent enterprise.

They range from small community-based initiatives, employee led spin outs (large and small), local authority companies, to substantial multi-stakeholder partnerships involving private and public sector organisations.

At their best, these new models can provide greater flexibility and dynamism, while maintaining continued commitment to public service and wellbeing.

This combination of innovation in public enterprise and public/social purpose can make them effective vehicles for improving service outcomes.

There are a wide range of options available that can have a profound effect on the nature of the service as it develops. This guide gives clear explanations of the different types of alternative models and vehicles, their structures and frameworks. This will help those involved in supporting existing alternative delivery vehicles as well as those considering establishing new delivery models.

The guide also includes information on:

• outsourcing
• insourcing
• shared services
• partnerships
• joint committees
• joint ventures
• local authority companies
• working with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors
• public service mutuals
• social impact bonds
• an overview of legal structures including: companies, co-operative societies, community benefit societies, limited liability partnerships, trusts, charities, charitable incorporated organisations and community interest companies.

The guide will be useful for people working with or in alternative delivery models, including:

• managers and officers involved in commissioning services
• managers looking at new models for delivering existing or new services
• those looking to develop a specific service delivery vehicle or enterprise in their area.

This publication is available as a PDF. Customers and subscribers will need to log in to CIPFA’s website to access the publication.