The second phase of the national programme for Third Sector commissioning is now live.

IDeA, the Improvement and Development Agency for local government, is heading up a new partnership which will see Third Sector and public agencies deliver training and support to commissioners, councillors and Third Sector leaders.

The national programme has been promoting intelligent commissioning since 2007. It is helping improve the practice of around 3,000 public sector commissioners and procurement officers to ensure they get the best out of working with the Third Sector.

Income from government sources including commissioning is worth £12 billion to the sector and accounts for over a third of general charities total income in the UK.

The programme will run until March 2011. Full details and bookings are available from Cheryl Hack at IDeA on 020 72966199 or online at the IDeA website (opens new window).