The Future of Civil Society Support in London

London Funders, with funding from City Bridge Trust, is seeking to commission research into the support needs (traditionally shorthanded to infrastructure needs) of London's civil society (including London's diverse voluntary and community sectors).

The future of civil society support in London - an open letter from David Warner, Director of London Funders

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for your interest in this project, and we hope that you will find all the information required in this project specification and the attached appendix.

We are aware that this project's timetable is challenging, both in terms of the deadline for submissions and also for the time-frame within which we hope to see the work completed. However this reflects both the importance, and urgency, of the issues to be investigated.

Please also note that our expectation is that the successful applicant will be in a position to commence the project w/c 7th September, and that this should be reflected in your outline project plan.

The timetable is:

Deadline for responses - Wednesday 5th August - 5pm
Shortlisting -W/c 10th August (all applicants will be notified of the outcome by Monday 17th August)
Interviews- W/c 31st August
Project Commences- W/c 7th September

The project is being overseen by a cross-sector partnership, chaired by London Funders and involving representatives from City Bridge Trust, LVSC, GLV, specialist regional infrastructure, local government, the private sector and other funding bodies. A number of members from the reference group will be involved in the selection process, details of which will be provided in advance of the interviews.

We are also aware that this is a complex project, and that the successful bidder will need to have and demonstrate a good understanding of London, its civil society and local government (amongst a number of criteria) as well as a solid reputation and credibility to reach and engage with leaders across the public, private and civil society sectors. We are, therefore, open to partnership and/or collaborative proposals. Full details of our expectations can be found in the What we're looking for from you section of the specification.

Finally, if you have any queries about this call for tenders please don't hesitate to contact me either by email or phone.

We look forward to receiving your proposal.

Best wishes

David Warner
Director, London Funders