Background to the Provision Forum

During December 2005 and January 2006, a Provider Task Force met to discuss a range of issues around contract letting and management in Jobcentre Plus. The purpose of the Provider Taskforce was to investigate ways in which to improve the current process of contract management and supplier engagement. The early work of the group identified a small number of key areas that required consideration. One of these was a future provider engagement strategy.

The Taskforce agreed it should develop closer ways of working together and ensuring consultation with the provider community. The group were clear that there were major benefits in working together more effectively.

The Provision Forum was formed to replace the Provider Liaison Group and take forward the work of its predecessor.