EOA part of winning bid to help public sector mutuals
December 2011
The EOA is delighted to have been appointed as a partner in the new Mutual Information Service, the specialist advice provider for organisations looking to spin out of the public sector into a mutual ownership model. The bid for this work was led by EOA members PA Consulting, and comprises experts in the sector including EOA members Baxi Partnership and OPM. Social Enterprise UK and Coops UK are also partners in this, ensuring that the spectrum of mutual models is represented.
The service comprises
• a web support service http://mutuals.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ which will become a resource centre for potential mutuals,
• an advice line 0845 539 0543
• a triaging process that will identify the support needs of potential spin outs and pass those onto the Cabinet Office who will make decisions about access to funding.
The Cabinet Office has confirmed that it has in total a fund of more than £10m that will enable the most promising and innovative mutuals to spin out of the public sector and deliver public services in England.