Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire VCSE
\nBrokerage Framework<\/h1>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>Section titled module-2<\/span><\/a>\n \n \n The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector has a vital role in improving people\u2019s health and wellbeing in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The VCSE Brokerage Framework enables the full breadth and depth of the VCSE sector to play this role.<\/p>\n
The VCSE Brokerage Framework is a new system-wide approach to enable a diverse range of VCSE organisations to deliver health and wellbeing improvements in local communities, through investment from Integrated Care System (ICS) health and social care partners. The Framework provides a standard, robust and inclusive process for assessing the best proposals for community activities.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\n Contents<\/h4>\n
How the Brokerage Framework works<\/a>
\nThe benefits of joining<\/a>
\nWho can apply to join<\/a>
\nHow to join<\/a>
\nQuestions and feedback<\/a>
\nWellbeing\/health programmes<\/a>
\nKey dates and supporting information<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>Section titled module-3<\/span><\/a>\r\n \r\n How it works<\/h2>\n
The Framework is hosted by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance<\/a> and funded by NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB)<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe VCSE Brokerage Framework is being co-designed and tested during 2024\/25 by a partnership of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance, NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and ICS partners, including Sirona care & health, the local authorities and VCSE sector.<\/p>\n
The Framework aims to support the integration of thousands of VCSE organisations with public sector bodies in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It offers a fair and simple way for public sector managers to engage diverse VCSE groups, including smaller organisations.<\/p>\n
Public sector requests of VCSE organisations on the Framework might include:<\/p>\n
\n- Proposals to provide community preventive activities.<\/li>\n
- Data, insights and\/or intelligence on a particular issue.<\/li>\n
- Co-production of new services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
After testing the framework with several health programmes during 2024\/25, a review and learning exercise took place in April and May 2025.\u00a0 A learning document has been produced to guide the further development of the VCSE Brokerage Framework, with some immediate changes already in place.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>Section titled module-4<\/span><\/a>\r\n \r\n Benefits of joining<\/h2>\n
The benefits of joining the Framework include:<\/p>\n
\n- Easier funding applications.<\/li>\n
- Fewer entry barriers to the public sector – process is proportionate to the size of your organisation.<\/li>\n
- Networking and relationship building with VCSE peers.<\/li>\n
- Skill and practice sharing.<\/li>\n
- Greater community voice in public sector decisions.<\/li>\n
- Collaborative system reform and service design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>Section titled module-5<\/span><\/a>
\r\n \r\n Who can apply to join<\/strong><\/h2>\nAny VCSE organisation operating for over 12 months can apply to join the Framework if they meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n
\n- A registered charity, unincorporated association, Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Community\u00a0business (company limited by shares with a clear community purpose and benefits), Community Interest Company limited by guarantee (CIC, the common form of social enterprises), Community Interest Company limited by share (Schedule 2 with 100% asset lock), Community Benefit or Industrial Provident Society, or company limited by guarantee.<\/li>\n
- Have robust governance and sound financial management proportional to organisation size, as set out in the Brokerage Framework Quality Assurance requirements<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Based in and\/or already delivering services and conducting activities within Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.<\/li>\n
- Focused on at least one of the many aspects that affect health and wellbeing \u2013 including things like inclusion, work, housing, education, money, air quality, safety, transport, social and community connections alongside health and care advice, support and services.<\/li>\n
- Be willing to collaborate with other organisations on the Framework.<\/li>\n
- It is recognised that a community business, which has clear community purpose and benefits, may be a company limited by shares.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We encourage all VCSE organisations, even the very smallest, to apply. The joining process has been intentionally designed to be proportional to size.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>
Section titled module-6<\/span><\/a>\r\n \r\n How to join<\/h2>\n
Applications to join the Framework can be made by completing the VCSE Brokerage Framework application forms.<\/p>\n VCSE Brokerage Framework Application Form - part 1<\/a>\n\n VCSE Brokerage Framework Application Form - part 2<\/a>\n\nOnce you have completed the application form, it will be reviewed by the Brokerage team and the assurance panel. We will aim to tell you the outcome of your application as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
Please be aware there is no save and return option when filling out the forms. To help you gather relevant information to complete the application, these summary documents show all of the questions included in the application form before beginning your application.<\/p>\n
\n- Brokerage Framework Application part 1 – summary of questions (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Brokerage Framework Application part 2 – summary of questions (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>Section titled module-7<\/span><\/a>
\r\n \r\n Questions and feedback<\/h2>\n
Please share your experience of participating in or using the Framework by completing our feedback form<\/a>.<\/p>\nWe have developed some frequently asked questions and responses<\/a>, which we hope will help provide further information about the VCSE Brokerage Framework.<\/p>\n\n- Download the frequently asked questions and responses (docx)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>Section titled module-8<\/span><\/a>
\r\n \r\n Wellbeing\/health programmes<\/h2>\n
We are launching three new programmes through the Brokerage Framework during November. <\/strong>The Information Documents, proposal forms and budget templates will be shown below once the programmes go live.<\/p>\nWork & Health<\/h3>\n\n- Work & Health programme <\/span>– Information and Guidance document (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Work & Health programme <\/span>– Proposal Form (docx)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Work & Health programme <\/span>– Budget Template (xlsx)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support<\/h3>\n\n- North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support – Information and Guidance Document (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n
- North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support – Proposal Form (docx)<\/a><\/li>\n
- North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support – Budget Template (xlsx)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities<\/h3>\n\n- Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities – Information and Guidance document (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities – Proposal Form (docx)<\/a><\/li>\n
- Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities – Budget Template (xlsx)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Please read through the Information Document and the budget template guidance fully before you start your proposal.\u00a0 Please email your completed proposal form, budget template and any supporting documents to\u00a0<\/b><\/span>proposal@bnssgvcsealliance.org<\/span><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/u><\/p>\nThe closing dates for proposals are:<\/p>\n
\n- Work & Health<\/strong>: 5pm on Friday 12 December.<\/li>\n
- North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support<\/strong>: 5pm on Friday 19 December<\/li>\n
- Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities:<\/strong> 5pm on Friday 23 January 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If your organisation is interested in being part of a partnership bid with another organisation, please complete the relevant partnership bid interest form below. The deadline for submitting your interest is also shown for each programme.<\/p>\n
\n- Work & Health partnership bid interest form<\/a> – deadline 17 November<\/li>\n
- North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support collaboration and partnership form<\/a> –\u00a0deadline 24 November<\/li>\n
- Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities interest form<\/a> – deadline 15 December<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We will share your email address with other organisations that have also completed the form, once the deadline(s) have closed.<\/p>\n
How can I sign up for engagement events?<\/h3>\n
We are running two engagement events, where VCSE organisations can ask questions about the programme and\/or about the proposal process.\u202f They will both cover the same content, so you only need to attend one. These are taking place online and you can sign up via the links below.<\/p>\n
Work & Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Wednesday 12 November \u2013 2pm to 3pm<\/a><\/li>\n
- Tuesday 18 November \u2013 1pm to 2pm<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Tuesday 18 November – 10am to 11am<\/a><\/li>\n
- Wednesday 26 November – 11am to 12pm<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities<\/h3>\n\n- Tuesday 16 December at 2pm <\/a><\/li>\n
- Thursday 18 December at 10am<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What if I have further questions?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nPlease email the VCSE Brokerage Team at proposal@bnssgvcsealliance.org<\/a><\/u> with any questions by:<\/p>\n\n- midday on Tuesday 25 November for Work & Health<\/li>\n
- midday on Friday 28 November for North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support<\/li>\n
- midday on Friday 19 December for Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We will respond collectively to all clarification questions raised via this website weekly, up until the clarification question deadline. \u00a0Please note that we will be unable to respond directly to you regarding any questions raised or respond to questions after the clarification deadline has passed.<\/p>\n Work & health clarification questions (PDF)<\/a>\n\n North Somerset Peer Support clarification questions (PDF)<\/a>\n\n Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities clarification questions (PDF)<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div>Section titled module-9<\/span><\/a>\r\n \r\n Assurance panel and application dates<\/h2>\n
The purpose of the VCSE Brokerage Framework Assurance Panel is to ensure that organisations on the Framework meet the quality assurance requirements and criteria for joining.<\/p>\n
The VCSE Brokerage Framework Assurance Panel has oversight of the assessment of applications to the Framework and plays the lead role in the quality assurance decision-making process. The membership of the Panel and the process it follows are set out in the Terms of Reference<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Assurance Panel members use the VCSE Brokerage Framework policy checklist<\/a> when reviewing and confirming the suitability and quality of core requirement policies (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding and Complaints policies)<\/p>\n
The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector has a vital role in improving people\u2019s health and wellbeing in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The VCSE Brokerage Framework enables the full breadth and depth of the VCSE sector to play this role.<\/p>\n
The VCSE Brokerage Framework is a new system-wide approach to enable a diverse range of VCSE organisations to deliver health and wellbeing improvements in local communities, through investment from Integrated Care System (ICS) health and social care partners. The Framework provides a standard, robust and inclusive process for assessing the best proposals for community activities.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
Contents<\/h4>\n
How the Brokerage Framework works<\/a> The Framework is hosted by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance<\/a> and funded by NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The VCSE Brokerage Framework is being co-designed and tested during 2024\/25 by a partnership of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance, NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and ICS partners, including Sirona care & health, the local authorities and VCSE sector.<\/p>\n The Framework aims to support the integration of thousands of VCSE organisations with public sector bodies in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It offers a fair and simple way for public sector managers to engage diverse VCSE groups, including smaller organisations.<\/p>\n Public sector requests of VCSE organisations on the Framework might include:<\/p>\n After testing the framework with several health programmes during 2024\/25, a review and learning exercise took place in April and May 2025.\u00a0 A learning document has been produced to guide the further development of the VCSE Brokerage Framework, with some immediate changes already in place.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div> The benefits of joining the Framework include:<\/p>\n Any VCSE organisation operating for over 12 months can apply to join the Framework if they meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n We encourage all VCSE organisations, even the very smallest, to apply. The joining process has been intentionally designed to be proportional to size.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div> Applications to join the Framework can be made by completing the VCSE Brokerage Framework application forms.<\/p>\n VCSE Brokerage Framework Application Form - part 1<\/a>\n\n VCSE Brokerage Framework Application Form - part 2<\/a>\n\n Once you have completed the application form, it will be reviewed by the Brokerage team and the assurance panel. We will aim to tell you the outcome of your application as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Please be aware there is no save and return option when filling out the forms. To help you gather relevant information to complete the application, these summary documents show all of the questions included in the application form before beginning your application.<\/p>\n Please share your experience of participating in or using the Framework by completing our feedback form<\/a>.<\/p>\n We have developed some frequently asked questions and responses<\/a>, which we hope will help provide further information about the VCSE Brokerage Framework.<\/p>\n We are launching three new programmes through the Brokerage Framework during November. <\/strong>The Information Documents, proposal forms and budget templates will be shown below once the programmes go live.<\/p>\n Please read through the Information Document and the budget template guidance fully before you start your proposal.\u00a0 Please email your completed proposal form, budget template and any supporting documents to\u00a0<\/b><\/span>proposal@bnssgvcsealliance.org<\/span><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/u><\/p>\n The closing dates for proposals are:<\/p>\n If your organisation is interested in being part of a partnership bid with another organisation, please complete the relevant partnership bid interest form below. The deadline for submitting your interest is also shown for each programme.<\/p>\n We will share your email address with other organisations that have also completed the form, once the deadline(s) have closed.<\/p>\n We are running two engagement events, where VCSE organisations can ask questions about the programme and\/or about the proposal process.\u202f They will both cover the same content, so you only need to attend one. These are taking place online and you can sign up via the links below.<\/p>\n Please email the VCSE Brokerage Team at proposal@bnssgvcsealliance.org<\/a><\/u> with any questions by:<\/p>\n We will respond collectively to all clarification questions raised via this website weekly, up until the clarification question deadline. \u00a0Please note that we will be unable to respond directly to you regarding any questions raised or respond to questions after the clarification deadline has passed.<\/p>\n Work & health clarification questions (PDF)<\/a>\n\n North Somerset Peer Support clarification questions (PDF)<\/a>\n\n Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities clarification questions (PDF)<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section><\/div> The purpose of the VCSE Brokerage Framework Assurance Panel is to ensure that organisations on the Framework meet the quality assurance requirements and criteria for joining.<\/p>\n The VCSE Brokerage Framework Assurance Panel has oversight of the assessment of applications to the Framework and plays the lead role in the quality assurance decision-making process. The membership of the Panel and the process it follows are set out in the Terms of Reference<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Assurance Panel members use the VCSE Brokerage Framework policy checklist<\/a> when reviewing and confirming the suitability and quality of core requirement policies (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding and Complaints policies)<\/p>\n
\nThe benefits of joining<\/a>
\nWho can apply to join<\/a>
\nHow to join<\/a>
\nQuestions and feedback<\/a>
\nWellbeing\/health programmes<\/a>
\nKey dates and supporting information<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>How it works<\/h2>\n
\n
Benefits of joining<\/h2>\n
\n
Who can apply to join<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
How to join<\/h2>\n
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Questions and feedback<\/h2>\n
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Wellbeing\/health programmes<\/h2>\n
Work & Health<\/h3>\n
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North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support<\/h3>\n
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Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities<\/h3>\n
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How can I sign up for engagement events?<\/h3>\n
Work & Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
North Somerset Adult Mental Health Peer Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Reducing Perinatal Mental Health Inequalities<\/h3>\n
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What if I have further questions?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Assurance panel and application dates<\/h2>\n