Guidance

Voluntary and Community Frontline Sector (VCFS) Support Grant: prospectus

Updated 21 March 2022

This guidance was withdrawn on 21 April 2022

This content has been withdrawn as the VCFS Grant Programme competition closed on 1 April 2022.

Applies to England

Summary

In this prospectus, we will explain the new VCFS Grant and provide the information required to complete your application. The information is set out in the following parts:

If you have any questions, please refer to our frequently asked questions or please get in touch, using the email address below. We will do our best to help.

Please refer to Part 5 of this document for further guidance on completing the application form.

Contacting the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC)

General enquiries: vcfsgrantprogramme@levellingup.gov.uk

Introduction

The government has a clear manifesto commitment to end rough sleeping this Parliament. We are making good progress, but there is much still to do. The voluntary and community sector has been intrinsic to the progress achieved so far, delivering essential support, intervention, and advice on the ground. In addition, the sector provides essential links to local services and ensures individuals experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough are empowered to stay within, and strengthen their relationship to, their local community.

The next phase of our work together, outlined in this prospectus, will bring forward the development of a skilled voluntary and community sector, working in partnership with each other and local authorities to deliver a sustained reduction in homelessness and rough sleeping.

In recent years, DLUHC’s support for the sector’s activity has continued with grants to a number of voluntary sector organisations to build the capacity and expertise of the wider frontline sector. These grants have supported frontline workers in the voluntary and community sector, as well as in local authorities to meet their duties under the Homeless Reduction Act and to develop skills, expertise and partnerships to deliver a range of prevention, intervention and recovery services.

Our recent engagement with the wider sector and local authorities has told us that despite the many challenges of COVID-19, organisations have identified significant improvements to the coordination of rough sleeping services and partnership working during the COVID-19 pandemic, including improved relations with the health sector. We need to ensure this new way of working is sustained.

Despite these achievements, the profile and challenges of the homeless and rough sleeping population has changed over the pandemic and the sector now faces new complexities and issues to address. Now more than ever supporting the skills, capability and networks of the sector is a critical intervention to deliver an end to rough sleeping and homelessness.

The Spending Review in 2021 has given us the opportunity to look afresh at how we can support the frontline to deliver an end to rough sleeping.

The new VCFS Grant demonstrates DLUHC’s ongoing commitment to support and maintain valuable partnerships, develop the skills and experience of staff and volunteers, and to continue to raise the standards of the homelessness sector.

Part 1: Grant summary

1. What is the Voluntary, Community and Frontline Sector Grant?

The Voluntary, Community and Frontline Sector (VCFS) Grant is a new funding approach over the next 3 years, which will continue to support the essential work of the voluntary and community sector. We are making available a Grant programme delivered through 4 individually biddable lots, which will be managed through agreed workplans and regular monitoring. Bidders are welcome to apply for multiple lots and partnership bids are encouraged.

2. Objectives of the VCFS Grant

The new VCFS Grant is divided into 4 individually biddable lots, they each have a distinct objective:

Lot number	Objective
Lot 1	Increase the capacity and capability of the sector to prevent and relieve rough sleeping and homelessness.
Lot 2	Deliver specific advice to help frontline workers resolve individual cases.
Lot 3	Enable stronger local strategic partnerships.
Lot 4	Developing the faith and community sector.

The total commitment for this funding represents a potential investment of up to £8m commencing from 1 July 2022 to 31 March 2025. Table 1 below illustrates the indicative budgets for each lot across a single year. Prospective bidders should endeavour to illustrate excellent value for money, partnership working models and a strong focus on achieving sustained and developed outcomes that prioritise reduction in homelessness and rough sleeping.

The indicative budgets are a guide for bidders. The application form will give bidders the opportunity to provide costs for activities that will be undertaken to facilitate the delivery of the objectives. DLUHC will seek to ensure that bids are cost effective and present best value for money.

Table 1. VCFS Grant lots

Lot 1: Increasing the capacity and capability of the sector to prevent and relieve rough sleeping and homelessness

Range (£) per annum: £850,000 - £1.2m

Aims | To build the capacity, skills and knowledge of a range of frontline staff and volunteers in England through the provision of effective, quality homelessness and housing training, information resources and skills development. Activities | • Digital, online resources to deliver high volume, quality housing and homelessness training to a range of audiences. Also, where appropriate, using traditional class-based teaching.

• Support the sector to access and develop the latest and most innovative best practice guidance in working with people who are rough sleeping, at risk of rough sleeping and homeless. This could be delivered through written guides, frameworks or web publications, for example.

• Training to help local authorities and public bodies meet their statutory obligations relating to housing and homelessness issues (e.g., the Homelessness Reduction Act).

• Enable the sector to identify and share best practice, learning and innovation through a range of flexible learning approaches such as communities of practice, webinars and conferences.

• Training that supports the sustainability, governance and professionalism of the sector – including developmental support for smaller organisations and support for new and emerging leaders in the sector.

• Support that is blended, flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of rough sleeping and homelessness.

• Structured training that can take users on a ‘learning pathway’ as they grow in skills and knowledge, catered to the needs of audiences with a varying level of knowledge, experience and skills.

• Work with key agencies and groups to understand their learning needs and gaps.

• Ensure the sector has the skills to support individuals with multiple and complex needs (e.g. young people).
Audience | • Frontline staff and volunteers providing rough sleeping, homelessness and housing support, based in local authorities and the voluntary sector.

• Public authorities with a ‘duty to refer’ households at risk of homelessness, this could include prison and offender services, NHS teams, Social Care teams, DWP and services linked to ex-armed forces personnel.

• Expected to work with DLUHC and the Grant Programme Board to prioritise audiences and target groups, based on sector and location.

• We welcome proposals that have sought the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness and rough sleeping – engaging those voices throughout the Grant to support its development will be important. Outcomes | • Training programme for the sector to enhance local authorities, public bodies and the sectors’ ability to respond to and prevent homelessness before a crisis occurs (with particular reference to at risk groups i.e., young people).

• Ensure the sector has the skills to support individuals, young people and those with protected characteristics.

• Sector bodies have a greater understanding of their learning needs and have the ability to support staff on career development pathways.

• Frontline sector has free access to a programme of skills development that will support governance, organisational resilience, and leadership.

• Grant providers have the ability to responsively target training to emergent issues, prioritising training availability for groups with greatest needs.

Lot 2: Delivering specific support to help frontline workers resolve individual cases

Range (£) per annum: £750,000 - £950,000

Aims	Specialist advice team to deliver prompt and effective 2nd tier housing, homelessness and welfare benefit advice via telephone, webchat, and digital tools to new and existing frontline audiences.*
Activities	• Service to be available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (except bank holidays). • Specialist advice that is monitored and recorded, with outcomes followed up at regular intervals to assess the impact and develop the approach. • Recording information and latest trends on homelessness and rough sleeping issues to inform the wider work of the Grants programme as we refine and target our support. • Constant evaluation which demonstrates how the use of digital tools increases the volume and reach of advice. • Provide specialist adviser support to assist with complex and urgent cases. • Continue to monitor potential Brexit and COVID-19 related changes to ensure that the specialist advice team are able to provide responsive expert advice.
Audience	• Frontline staff and volunteers providing rough sleeping, homelessness and housing support, based in local authorities and the voluntary sector. • Public authorities with a ‘duty to refer’ households at risk of homelessness, this could include prison and offender services, NHS teams, Social Care teams, DWP and services linked to ex-armed forces personnel. • Expected to work with DLUHC and the Grant Programme Board to prioritise audiences and target groups, based on sector and location.
Outcomes	• Specialist advice team to deliver prompt and effective housing, homelessness, and welfare benefit advice to staff and volunteers in local authorities, public bodies and the voluntary and community sector. • Delivered via telephone, online, and digital.

*Note this service will be for professional and volunteer use only – it will not deliver advice directly to the general public or people who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness.

Lot 3: Enabling stronger local strategic partnerships

Range (£) per annum: £450,000 - £600,000

Aims | Facilitating and supporting joint working between the voluntary and community sector, local public bodies and local authorities to tackle local homelessness challenges - using a partnership approach to address barriers in local systems. Activities | • Work with DLUHC in the assessment and review of local areas to identify positive and challenging partnerships – these could be where there are local delivery challenges or where a region requires support in adapting to support a new or changing demographic of people at risk or experiences homelessness.

• Identify barriers to collaboration with the voluntary and community sector and the faith and community sector.

• Development of local action plans with challenging areas.

• Ensure that local resources, knowledge and networks are coordinated to effectively prevent and target homelessness and rough sleeping.

• Deliver a range of interventions to improve joined up working. This could include conflict resolution, forum development, charters, workshops and advice to both local authorities and charities and faith groups and operational protocols. (You are expected to outline which interventions you intend to use in your proposal statement).

• Deliver interventions that address poor relationships between local services, this could include a database or directory of services to enhance awareness of existing provision.

• Intelligence gathered should identify where the gaps are and where training, support or further intervention from DLUHC can be used to resolve local issues. Audience | • Local authorities, voluntary and community sector organisations and faith and community sector.

• DLUHC stakeholders and the Grant Programme Board to prioritise audiences and target groups, based on sector and location.

• Public authorities/bodies working directly with individuals who are rough sleeping, homeless or at risk of homelessness, this could include local prison and offender services, NHS teams, Social Care teams, DWP and services linked to ex-armed forces personnel.
Outcomes| • Improved joint working between the voluntary and community sector, local public bodies, and the local authority to tackle local homelessness challenges.

• Local sector welcomes the intervention of the team and buy-in to local actions to make changes and improvements.

• Intelligence and learning from local areas supporting national best practice and policy making to address barriers in the local systems.

Lot 4: Developing the faith and community sector

Range (£) per annum: £175,000 - £225,000

Aims | Training and best practice support for the national night shelter network. Accreditation for community organisations and shelters. Development of faith and community capabilities and links with statutory services.
Activities | • Support faith and community services (including shelters and street-based support) to operate as safely as possible and enable them to work towards best practice in supporting those who experience rough sleeping.

• Coordinate and link faith and community groups’ responses to rough sleeping and homelessness with established local provision and local authorities to add value.

• Provide sector access to training and resources to effectively respond as we emerge from the pandemic and to deliver positive outcomes for people rough sleeping. Audience | • Local authorities, voluntary and community sector organisations and faith and community sector.

• Expected to work with DLUHC and the Grant Programme Board to prioritise audiences and target groups, based on sector and location.
Outcomes | • Smaller faith and community providers, especially shelter providers have access to the latest training and best practice support for night shelter network.

• Standards and outcomes in the sector are raised through an accreditation of community organisations and shelters.

• Development of sector’s capabilities and links with statutory services.

3. What are we looking for?

The new VCFS Grant programme is an important step towards creating a joined-up voluntary and community sector, continuing to target the outcomes needed to prevent and end homelessness and rough sleeping.

This grant will aim to help staff and volunteers across England access support, training and advice. Therefore, we are looking for a provider (or partnership) that can offer an England wide approach. The application will ask for bidders’ experience in delivering a similar national support offer.

The application form provides the opportunity for applicants to propose their own interventions, service models, and proposals to meet the objectives of the programme, based on their experience. We are open to new tried and tested methodologies and encourage projects that promote innovation and the sharing of intelligence.

The new VCFS Grant is an opportunity for organisations to continue to work in partnership with each other, cementing the successful partnership-led approach achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic. We strongly encourage bidders to look for partnership opportunities that will enhance provision, achieve value for money and efficiencies. You do not need to have a formal partnership agreement in place at this stage. If your bid is successful, you will need a partnership agreement, and this will require the approval of DLUHC prior to any funding being released.

We will consider bids for single or multiple lots. If you wish to bid for more than one lot, you will have the opportunity in the application to demonstrate how managing multiple lots will improve effectiveness and efficiency of delivery.

4. Eligibility

We welcome applications from voluntary and community sector organisations based in England, with expertise and a proven track record of:

• Providing specialist service delivery within the homelessness and rough sleeping sector.
• Working collaboratively with sector bodies and other statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Coordinating a multi-agency approach, ensuring that maximum impact is realised and that all partners can contribute to outcomes.
• Significant and appropriate sector links and networks, ensuring that best practice is shared, and services undergo continuous improvement.
• Ability to deliver services which add value to the work of DLUHC, applications will be valued on depth of intervention, rather than breadth of scope.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs, for example to work with other providers.
• Delivering projects that provide value for money.

To be an eligible organisation, applicants must be one or more of the following types of organisations:

• ‘Charity’ – An organisation registered as a Charity with UK charity regulators.
• Charitable Registered Society under Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
• A Community Interest Company registered with Companies House.
• A Community Interest Company with an asset lock.
• A Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission.
• A Company Limited by Guarantee registered with Companies House.
• A Cooperative and Community benefit society.
• An unincorporated ‘Community group’ provided that it is:
  • Established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes;
  • Has a governing body with at least 3 members;
  • Has an inclusive Membership policy;
  • Has a governing document;
  • Can provide accounts for the last 2 financial years;
  • Has its own bank account; and
  • Can hold land either by itself or via Trustees.
• An Industrial and Providence Society (IPS).
• We welcome ‘consortium’ bids, where eligible organisations are working together – but the application must be submitted by the lead and accountable organisation. Any Grant Agreement for such a bid will be an agreement between the DLUHC and the Accountable Body only. If a consortium bid is proposed the application should include the draft Memorandum of Understanding or other agreement that governs the relationship between the partners.

The following types of organisations are not eligible to apply:

• Companies limited by shares.
• Any other profit-distributing organisations.
• Councils, other public sector organisations, any companies limited by guarantee whose Members are exclusively public sector organisations or profit distributing organisations.
• Individuals.

These lists are not exhaustive. Advice should be sought if an applicant believes that the status of their organisation is not listed.

5. Process for assessing applications

A gateway criteria assessment will be applied to all applications received by the closing date. This process will involve confirmation of eligibility and completion of due diligence checks using standard government tools and procedures.

Applications passing the gateway assessment will be evaluated against 4 specific categories: The Applicant, The Proposal, Outcomes and Outputs and Cost & Value for Money.

The evaluation process is described in Part 4 of the prospectus. The evaluation will lead to the identification of a preferred bidder for each lot. Once we have formed a list of preferred applicants for each lot, we will begin a process of negotiation and refinement of the proposals to assist in the development of the Grant funding award and agreements. The negotiation will include a review of the proposed pricing schedule and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Bidders should be aware that their application should not be seen as a full and final offer, DLUHC reserves the right to negotiate and amend bids accordingly with successful applicants. Applicants should also be aware that DLUHC reserves the right to invite multiple preferred bidders for negotiation and refinement for each lot.

DLUHC reserves the right not to award the Grant for any or all lots.

6. Roles and responsibilities

DLUHC is providing funding for the new VCFS Grant. DLUHC will assess bids and provide funding directly to chosen voluntary and community sector organisations. Roles and responsibilities for both parties are detailed below:

DLUHC role: 

• Promote the new VCFS Grant.
• Review funding proposals against the scoring criteria set out in Part 4 of this document.
• Undertake due diligence.
• Determine allocation of funding based on the published scoring criteria.
• Notify applicants of funding decisions.
• Establish Grant Funding Agreements with selected voluntary and community sector organisations.
• Provide funding as agreed in the Grant Funding Agreement.
• Establish and undertake a monitoring and evaluation regime for the duration of the project.
• Host the Grant Programme Board, of which grantees will be a member.

Voluntary and community sector organisation role:

• Ensure proposals submitted are in the standardised form provided and contain clear costings, milestones, outputs, and outcomes for activities.
• Cooperate fully with the assessment and due diligence process, including any TUPE arrangements that may apply (please refer to the TUPE section below).
• If selected for funding, grantees must sign a Grant Funding Agreement with DLUHC.
• If selected for funding, grantees must deliver proposals in line with agreed plans, within timescales and to budget.
• Grantees must participate in monitoring and evaluation as set out in Section 9 below.
• Grant recipients will observe the requirements of PCR 2015 Public Contract Regulations.

7. VAT statement

The DLUHC intends to award a Grant to stimulate this activity. This Grant will be governed by a Grant Funding Agreement. The DLUHC does not intend for there to a contractual relationship with the Grant Recipient. It intends paying the Grant on the receipt of acceptable progress reports, a Grant claim form and the delivery of agreed outcomes. It will not pay the Grant on the basis of an invoice. In consequence, applicants must reassure themselves as to their VAT liability – either to be paid or unable to be recovered.

Any Grant award will not be increased subsequently to meet unforeseen VAT costs. The proposed budget submitted by the applicant should be based, therefore, net of recoverable VAT costs in line with VAT rules on grant payments.

8. TUPE

It will be the Grant recipient’s responsibility to make enquiries of the present funded organisations to determine where TUPE may apply to the funded activities in the prospectus. DLUHC recommends that interested parties engage with current grantees to understand any liabilities therein.

Please email vcfsgrantprogramme@levellingup.gov.uk with TUPE as the subject line, for contact details of current grantees and further information.

See guidance on TUPE.

9. Governance, monitoring and evaluation

Grantees must comply with the VCFS Grant governance, monitoring, and evaluation requirements, which are as follows:

9.1 Governance

Grantees will be in regular contact with members of the Rough Sleeping Delivery Team within DLUHC’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping directorate.

The VCFS Grant outcomes and expenditure will be recorded and monitored by the VCFS Grant Programme Board on a quarterly basis. The VCFS Grant Programme Board will comprise of:

• Chair (DLUHC Rough Sleeping Delivery Team Leader)
• Project Manager (DLUHC Rough Sleeping Delivery Higher Executive Officer)
• Community and Faith Advisors (DLUHC Rough Sleeper Advisory Team)
• Project Provider Representatives

The VCFS Grant Programme Board will report directly to DLUHC’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Programme Board.

9.2 Monitoring

At quarterly intervals, grantees will be expected to provide a reporting update to DLUHC. Grantees will be expected to provide a report based on quarterly performance against the agreed outputs.

9.3 Key Performance Indicators

DLUHC will provide a core set of key performance indicators (KPIs), which grantees will be expected to report against for performance monitoring purposes. DLUHC’s core KPIs are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) and have been developed and tested by DLUHC.

Grantees will not be expected to collect any personal data for the monitoring and reporting of KPIs. A summary of DLUHC’s core KPIs, can be found below in Table 2. In addition, applicants are invited to provide additional KPIs to demonstrate the outputs and quality of their proposal. Grantees for Lots 3 and 4 will be expected to provide case studies and feedback on a quarterly basis to demonstrate progress and the impact of the service being delivered. A summary of these requirements can be found below in Table 3.

As part of the application process, bidders will be asked to provide expected numbers for DLUHC’s core KPIs, (for example: 4 training webinars per quarter in Lot 1) and propose any additional KPIs as part of the project delivery. As part of the negotiation process with preferred bidders, DLUHC will agree milestones. The set milestones will be included in the Grant Funding Agreement based on the project plan and information provided in the grantee’s applications.

Following applications to the grant programme, DLUHC will work with preferred grantees to agree the final set of KPIs that relate to individual lots/Grant awards in advance of Grant award. (See section 9.4 below). KPIs will focus on long-term, sustained outputs which demonstrate progression and service development over the funding period. All KPIs will be reviewed on a quarterly basis as agreed through the individual Grant Funding Agreements.

9.4 Success and impact

Success and impact of the project will be evaluated against the core outputs and KPIs listed in Table 2 below, during the quarterly performance review meetings (which will be informed by quarterly narrative reports, KPI and engagement data).

The new programme approach will enable a fuller understanding of the overall Grant, compared to previous individually managed Grants.

The evaluation process will be comprised of the following methods:

• Anonymised satisfaction/impact surveys.
• Structured interviews with partner local authorities and sector partners - this will include an internally managed impact evaluation for at least 2 local areas per year.
• Training participant evaluation feedback.
• Case Outcomes Report (Lot 2 only).
• Case Studies (organisation focussed).
• Qualitative Reviews with DLUHC representatives.
• Sector webinars to gather open views and gauge progress against objectives.

Each grantee will be expected to complete an evaluation at the end of the delivery period. DLUHC will provide a template for each project to complete. Grantees will also be asked to produce a statement of Grant usage upon completion of the Grant period.

Table 2. DLUHC Core KPIs

Lot 1: Increasing the capacity and capability of the sector

Key outcomes (See Table 1) | DLUHC Core KPIs -|- • Training programme for the sector to enhance local authorities’, public bodies and the sectors’ ability to respond to and prevent homelessness before a crisis occurs (with particular reference to at risk groups i.e. young people).

• Ensure the sector has the skills to support individuals, young people and those with protected characteristics.

• Sector bodies have a greater understanding of their learning needs and have the ability to support staff on career development pathways.

• Frontline sector has free access to a programme of skills development that will support governance, organisational resilience, and leadership.

• Grant providers have the ability to responsively target training to emergent issues, prioritising training availability for groups with greatest needs. | • Number of sessions overall by topic and audience (local authority, public authority, and advice agency).

• Number of sessions overall by course type, training, webinar community of practice, masterclass etc.

• Number of participants by audience, topic and course type.

• Number of participants by individual local authority and public authority and by topic.

• Number of participants by English geographical region.

• Number of bookings against attendance by individual local authority, public authority and advice agencies, by audience, by topic and by course type.

• Number of practice guides, blogs or other publications produced, including view of web page hits and readership.

• Quality by user feedback on course usefulness, and 3 months follow up to confirm practice change.

• Structured quarterly feedback from selection of key partner organisations. Please refer to Part 1, Tables 1 & 2.

Lot 2: Delivering specific support to resolve individual cases

Key outcomes (See Table 1) | DLUHC Core KPIs -|- • Specialist advice team to deliver prompt and effective housing, homelessness, and welfare benefit advice to staff and volunteers in local authorities, public bodies and the voluntary and community sector.

• Delivered via telephone, online, and digital. |• Number of enquiries overall.

• Number of enquiries by audience (i.e., individual local authority, public authority and advice agencies.

• Number of enquiries by type (telephone, webchat, online tools).

• Number of repeat enquiries overall and by audience.

• Enquiry type by audience, geographical region and individual local authority, public authority and advice agencies.

• Enquiry success outcome by % (i.e., % of delayed evictions, resolution of homeless application etc).

Lot 3: Enabling stronger strategic partnerships

Key outcomes (See Table 1) | DLUHC Core KPIs -|- • Improved joint working between the voluntary and community sector, local public bodies, and the local authority to tackle local homelessness challenges.

• Local sector welcomes the intervention of the team and buy-in to local actions to make changes and improvements.

• Intelligence and learning from local areas supporting national best practice and policy making to address barriers in the local systems. |• Number of local areas worked with per quarter.

• Number and type of interventions undertaken in each area (per quarter). (N.B please make reference to those interventions you have outlined in your proposal. This could include, but not limited to, training sessions, written guidance, meetings attended, forums convened).

• Number of progress report (qualitative) of partnership progress in each local area.

• Number of intelligence reports submitted.

Lot 4: Developing the faith and community sector

Key outcomes (See Table 1) | DLUHC Core KPIs -|- • Smaller faith and community providers, especially shelter providers have access to the latest training and best practice support for night shelter network.

• Standards and outcomes in the sector are raised through an accreditation of community organisations and shelters.

• Development of sector’s capabilities and links with statutory services. |• Number of training sessions delivered by type and delivery approach.

• Number of regional shelter network sessions facilitated.

• Number of best practice resources produced.

• Number of accreditation and standards reviews completed.

• Baselines increase in practice and standards recorded.

• Quality by user feedback on course usefulness, and 3 months follow up to confirm evidence of practice change.

Table 3. Summary of quarterly case studies and feedback requirements for Lots 3 and 4

Lot/Project 3: Enabling stronger strategic partnerships

• 2x case studies (quarterly) to demonstrate the service provided by the grantee to partner organisations. • 4x qualitative statements/feedback (quarterly) from partner organisations providing feedback on the support received from the grantee, outlining the impact and quality of the service provided. • Biannual progress and impact surveys of partner organisations carried out across all local areas with 75% response rate target.

Lot/Project 4: Faith & Community Sector Support

• 4x qualitative statements/feedback (quarterly) from partner organisations providing feedback on the support received from the grantee, outlining the impact and quality of the service provided. • 2x case studies (quarterly) to demonstrate the service provided by the grantee to partner organisations and practice improvement.

Part 2: How to apply

Please return your completed application form and supporting documents to vcfsgrantprogramme@levellingup.gov.uk by 11:59pm on Friday 1 April 2022.

Applicants will be able to raise questions and concerns with DLUHC’s Rough Sleeping Delivery Team whilst the competition is open. All relevant questions and answers received will be published on GOV.UK on a weekly basis. We recommend regularly checking the website whilst the competition is open.

Part 3: Timelines and processes

• Competition launch date: w/c 28 February 2022

• Competition end date: Friday 1 April 2022

• Scoring bids: w/c 4 April 2022

• Negotiation of KPIs and proposed budget with preferred bidders: From 11 April 2022

• Approval and confirmation of awards: April 2022

• Grantees mobilisation: May – June 2022

• New VCFS Grants funding agreements commence: July 2022

Part 4: Scoring process

1. Marking guidance, scoring and weightings

Bids will be assessed by a panel comprised of representatives from DLUHC’s Rough Sleeping Delivery and Commercial Grants teams against the 11 criteria listed in Table 4) and Table 5 below.

Each criterion will be scored 0-3. Any application that scores 0 against any criterion will be disqualified. Each criterion is weighted to reflect its importance to this funding programme. The score for each criterion will be multiplied by its weighting.

The scores for all the criteria will be added to give a total score for the application. The maximum total score is 300.

The total score will be used to compare against other applications. The application with the highest total score will be identified as the preferred bidder. Where two applications are scored equally, or are very similar, DLUHC may make further enquiries before identifying a preferred bidder.

The score against each criterion will also inform subsequent discussions with the preferred bidder.

The final decision as to which applications receive what level of funding will rest with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

DLUHC reserves the right to vary these conditions and the right to either withdraw or reduce the funding if reasonably required, in line with the terms and conditions set out within the Grant Funding Agreement.

Table 4. Scoring and weighting

The applicant (30%)

Reference in application form: Sections 1 - 4

Criteria | Weighting %| Maximum score -|- Governance of the organisation including financial resilience| 5 |15 Relevant knowledge and experience| 25| 75 Total for applicant | | 90

Quality of proposals (40%)

Reference in application form: Section 5 - 8

Criteria | Weighting %| Maximum score -|- Programme of activity| 20| 60 Timetable for delivery | 10 |30 Proposed performance management and programme governance| 10| 30 Total for quality of proposals | | 120

Proposed outputs and outcomes (15%)

Reference in application form: Sections 9 - 10

Criteria | Weighting %| Maximum score -|- Clearly defined outputs | 5 |15 Quality of outputs | 5 |15 Anticipated outcomes and their realisation| 5| 15 Total for outputs and outcomes | | 45

Cost and value for money (15%)

Reference in application form: Sections 11 - 12

Criteria | Weighting %| Maximum score -|- Total cost of proposal| 5| 15 Value for money – cost compared with outputs and outcomes | 5 |15 Risk management | 5| 15 Total for cost and value for money| | 45

Maximum total score available: 300

2. Criteria definitions

The applicant

• Assessed from Sections 1 – 4 of the application form.
• Governance of the organisation – applicants should provide a charity registration number (if applicable) or company registration number (if applicable). Applicants should also detail the governance structure of the organisation and a statement setting out the purpose of the organisation. DLUHC will conduct its own due diligence as to the financial resilience of the organisation.
• Relevant knowledge and experience – applicants should describe their understanding of the related issues and the stakeholders involved, their recent experience of managing similar projects, including experience the applicant has in delivering a national support offer, setting out the value and the outcomes achieved. Brief descriptions of the experience and qualifications of key individuals should also be provided.

The proposal

• Assessed from Sections 5 – 8 of the application form.
• The proposed activity – applicants should provide extensive detail as to the proposed activity, the key milestones, the stakeholders to be engaged and their expectations, the use of digital as a means of delivery, and the staffing requirement to deliver the activity. Applicants should also explain how they will ensure that legal obligations for such issues as data protection, modern slavery, equalities and carbon reduction will be met.
• Timetable for delivery – applicants should provide a credible but ambitious timetable for delivery that meets the requirements set out in Part 3. Proposals should expand on this and detail all their proposed delivery dates.
• Performance Management and Programme Governance – applicants should describe how they intend to ensure the programme is effectively managed and delivers the quality of outputs / outcomes expected. They should also confirm that they understand DLUHC’s reporting requirements.

Outcomes and outputs

• Assessed from Sections 9 - 10 of the application form.
• Outputs – applicants should describe expected outputs. These may include once-only activity, for example the publication of an advice pack, and multiple outputs, for example the number of people trained or number of calls to a helpline. Timescales for the achievement of outputs should be provided.
• Quality of outputs – applicants should describe the quality of outputs. For instance, for the training of people, a description might include the subject matter, length of the training, the delivery mechanism (i.e., face to face, virtual, etc,), any qualification or CPD points). For calls to a helpline, the type of call and the complexity of issues to be advised.
• Outcomes and realisation – applicants should describe the effect of the programme for the individuals and organisations engaging, and on the support provided to those rough sleeping. Applicants should describe how they intend to monitor the effectiveness of the programme on the delivery of outcomes. Applicants should also describe how the outcomes are sustainable and long lasting.

Cost and value for money

• Assessed from Sections 11 - 12 of the application form.
• Cost – Applicants to provide a programme budget by quarter which includes a breakdown of the costs of staffing, supplies and services, contribution to overheads, and any irrecoverable VAT. Any funding from other sources to help meet these costs should also be reported. DLUHC will assess this criterion based upon its quoted estimated budgets for the work.
• Value for Money – DLUHC will assess value for money by comparing the anticipated outcomes and outputs with the cost.
• Risk assessment – Applicants to provide a risk assessment highlighting the key risks, including fraud, to the programme and the way in which they are to be managed.

Table 5. Scoring process

The applicant: Governance structure (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 1 - 4

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Governance of the organisation – applicants should have provided a charity registration number (if applicable) and/or company registration number (if applicable).

Applicants should also detail the governance structure of the organisation and a statement setting out the purpose of the organisation.

DLUHC will conduct its own due diligence checks into the financial resilience into the organisation. | No description of the organisation or governance structure outlined in the proposal. Registration number (if applicable) not provided. Score = 0

Description of the organisation & governance structure outlined in the proposal poorly defined. Registration number (if applicable) is provided. Score = 1

Description of the organisation & governance structure outlined in the proposal is defined and linked to oversight or accountability. Registration number (if applicable) is provided. Score = 2

Detailed description of the organisation & governance structure outlined in the proposal is clearly defined. Clear explanation of oversight and accountability linked to job roles. Registration number (if applicable) is provided. Score = 3

The applicant: Knowledge and experience (25%)

Reference in application form: Sections 1 - 4

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Relevant knowledge and experience – applicants should describe their understanding of the related issues and the stakeholders involved, their recent experience of managing similar projects including experience the applicant has in delivering a national support offer, setting out the value and the outcomes achieved. Brief descriptions of the experience and qualifications of key individuals should also be provided. | Relevant knowledge and experience of applicant not provided. Brief descriptions of key individuals not provided. No experience of delivering national projects, no detail of how this would be mitigated. Score = 0

Basic knowledge and experience of applicant provided. Brief descriptions of key individuals provided. Some knowledge of operating national Grant funded projects, this may be in a different area. If no experience the proposal shows some awareness of how to mitigate this through staff, networks, or other solutions. Score = 1

Knowledge and experience of applicant provided. Descriptions of key individuals provided. The proposal builds on knowledge gained from delivering similar Grant funded projects. The proposal shows awareness of how the project will be delivered. Score = 2

Knowledge and experience of applicant provided. Descriptions of key individuals provided. The proposal is based on experience of delivering multiple successful projects in a similar Grant funded area. The proposal is logically structured and shows where experience is being applied. Score = 3

The proposal: Proposals (20%)

Reference in application form: Sections 5 - 8

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants should provide extensive details of the proposed activity, the key milestones, the stakeholders to be engaged and their expectations, the use of digital as a means of delivery, and the staffing requirement to deliver the activity. Applicants should also explain how they will ensure that all the legal obligations for such issues as data protection, modern slavery, equalities, and carbon reduction will be met. | No meaningful details provided in the proposal. Score = 0

Details of the proposed activities are poorly defined, no specifics of key milestones, stakeholder engagement, expectations, or the use of digital delivery provided. Score = 1

Details of the proposed activities are defined, information setting out key milestones, stakeholder engagement, expectations, or the use of digital delivery are provided. Score = 2

Details of the proposed activities are fully defined, information setting out key milestones, stakeholder engagement, expectations, or the use of digital delivery are clearly provided. A full concise explanation of each of the of the proposed activities has been provided. Score = 3

The proposal: Timetable (10%)

Reference in application form: Sections 5 - 8

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Timetable for delivery – applicants should provide a credible but ambitious timetable for delivery that meets the requirements set out in Part 3 Timelines and Processes. Proposals should expand on this and detail all their proposed delivery dates. | Proposal does not outline a timetable. Score = 0

Proposal includes a timetable that will deliver resources but not at the required times. Score = 1

The proposal includes a detailed timetable that will meet the delivery requirements. Score = 2

The proposal includes a detailed timetable that will meet the delivery requirements. This includes further project delivery points and links project actions. Score = 3

The proposal: Performance management and programme governance (10%)

Reference in application form: Sections 5 - 8

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants should describe how they intend to ensure that the programme is effectively managed and delivers the quality of outputs & outcomes expected. They should also confirm that they understand the reporting requirements of DLUHC. | Effective management and delivery of the quality of outputs & outcomes not described. The reporting requirements of DLUHC not addressed. Score = 0

Effective management and delivery of the quality of outputs & outcomes partially described. The reporting requirements of DLUHC not addressed. Score = 1

Effective management and delivery of the quality of outputs & outcomes described. The reporting requirements of DLUHC partly addressed. Score = 2

Effective management and delivery of the quality of outputs & outcomes clearly described. The reporting requirements of DLUHC understood and confirmed deliverable. Score = 3

Outcomes and outputs: Outputs (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 9 - 10

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants should describe expected outputs. These may include once-only activity, for example the publication of an advice pack, and multiple outputs, for example the number of people trained or number of calls to a helpline. Timescales for the achievement of outputs should be provided. | A description of outputs not provided. Score = 0

Outputs are defined along with a brief description. However, the methods are not specific and do not define how outputs and outcomes will be measured. Score = 1

Outputs are defined along with a description and there is a specific method for measurement. Score = 2

There is a specific detailed description and a method for measuring outputs is provided that feeds into the project and enables the project to adapt its delivery. Score = 3

Outcomes and outputs: Quality of outputs (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 9 - 10

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants should describe the quality of outputs. For instance, for the training of people a description might include the subject matter, length of the training, the delivery mechanism (i.e., face to face, virtual, etc), any qualification or CPD credits. For calls to a helpline, the type of call and the complexity of issue to be advised upon. | No description of the quality of outputs provided. Score = 0

Quality of outputs are described along with method for measuring. However, the methods are not specific and do not define how outputs and outcomes will be measured. Score = 1

Quality of outputs are described and there is a specific method for measurement. Score = 2

There is a detailed description and specific method for measuring quality of outputs that feeds into the project and enable the project to adapt its delivery. Score = 3

Outcomes and outputs: Outcomes and realisation (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 9 - 10

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants should describe the effect of the programme for the individuals and organisations engaging, and on the support provided to those rough sleeping. Applicants should describe how they intend to monitor the effectiveness of the programme on the delivery of outcomes. Applicants should also describe how the outcomes are sustainable and long lasting. The project should have a lasting impact and proposals should demonstrate how they will achieve this. | No description of outcomes and realism provided. Score = 0

Outcomes and realisations are defined along with method for measuring. However, the methods are not specific and do not define how outputs and outcomes will be measured. Score = 1

Outcomes and realisations are defined and there is a proposed method for measurement and lasting impacts considered. Score = 2

There is a detailed description of outcomes and realisations and specific method for measuring quality of outputs that feeds into the project and enable the project to adapt its delivery. Lasting impacts clearly set out. Score = 3

Cost and value for money: Cost (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 11 - 12

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants to provide a programme budget by quarter which includes a breakdown of the costs of staffing, supplies and services, contribution to overheads, and any irrecoverable VAT. Any funding from other sources to help meet these costs should also be reported. The DLUHC will assess this criterion based upon its quoted estimated budgets for the work. | Proposal does not include a programme budget. Score = 0

Proposal includes a partial programme budget, there is no breakdown provided. Score = 1

Proposal includes a basic programme budget with a breakdown provided. Score = 2

Proposal includes a well-defined programme budget with a detailed breakdown provided. Score = 3

Cost and value for money: Value for money (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 11 - 12

Criteria description | Score guide -|- The application should demonstrate strong value for money. We will assess value for money by comparing the anticipated outcomes and outputs with the cost.

The cost specified should be proportionate to the outcomes achieved and the anticipated outputs.

Value for money could be demonstrated by detailing the following:

- the use of experience to provide robust costings, including costs per output (e.g. training courses) to present the best use of money.

- all costs and any other funding are profiled in a sensible way to provide confidence in capability to commit all funding to activities by the end of the Grant programme. | Proposal does not include costings, there is no cost profiling of outcomes and outputs. Score = 0

Proposal includes costings and details the number of interventions the project could support. Funds are projected to be fully committed by the end of the Grant programme. Score = 1

Proposal included costing and profiling for the length of the project. These costs are linked to the project plan and number of interventions. Funds are projected to be fully committed by the end of the Grant programme. Score = 2

Proposal included detailed costings and profiling for the length of the project. These costs are linked to the project plan and the number of interventions. Funds are projected to be fully committed by the end of the Grant programme. Score = 3

Cost and value for money: Risks (5%)

Reference in application form: Sections 11 - 12

Criteria description | Score guide -|- Applicants to provide a risk assessment highlighting the key risks, including fraud, to the programme and the way in which they are to be managed. | The proposal does not identify or address any risks. Score = 0

The proposal identifies potential risks, some mitigations outlined. Score = 1

Proposal includes a risk assessment, outlines delivery and financial risks and has planned mitigations listed. Score = 2

Proposal includes a full risk assessment detailing delivery and financial risks and has planned mitigations listed. A method of monitoring and controlling risk is listed and further risk policy documents are referenced (contingency plans, risk register, anti-fraud policy etc). Score = 3

Part 5: Guidance for completing the application form

1. Completing the form

• The application form can be downloaded from the GOV.UK website.

• We will only accept applications from voluntary and community organisations that meet the eligibility criteria as detailed in Part 1 of this guidance.

• Please complete all the questions on the application form. Incomplete application forms will not be considered.

• Proposals submitted are not final documents and DLUHC reserves the right to amend bids accordingly with successful applicants

2. Deadline for applications

All applications must be completed in full and received by 11:59pm on 1 April 2022 via email to vcfsgrantprogramme@levellingup.gov.uk.

Please ensure you submit:

Completed application form	Required
Completed Annex A, Public Liability Insurances	Required
Completed Annex H, Pricing Schedule	Required for single and multiple lots
Completed Annex B - G	Required for multiple lots only
Project plan Gantt Chart	Required for single and multiple lots
Organisation organogram	Required

3. Application form questions

Section 1: Your organisation and contact details

Please complete all questions, providing details of the Accountable Officer (person with overall responsibility for the project, e.g., Chief Executive /Finance Director/Director) and Lead Officer (the person who will be responsible for project management and the main contact for DLUHC).

We also require you to provide a summary of the Lead Officer’s credentials, including relevant experience (max 250 words).

Please provide your insurance details using the template provided in Annex A in the application form.

Section 2: Summary of your organisation

Please provide a summary of your organisation, governance and mission statement.

Section 3: Your experience

Please complete all the questions in this section. The questions provide you with an opportunity to give examples of relevant project experience.

We also require you to provide contact details for two referees. These should be representatives from organisation where you have completed commissioned work or projects.

Section 4: Your lot selection

Please confirm your lot selection. If you are bidding for more than one lot, please explain how delivering multiple lots will improve your delivery, efficiencies, and effectiveness.

If you are making a joint bid, please complete questions 4.2 – 4.4 which ask you to summarise the scope of each partner’s work, the proposed roles, and responsibilities for each organisation and how your joint bid will create efficiencies.

If you are making a joint bid, please also provide information about your partner organisation by completing Annex B in the application form.

Section 5: Your lot proposal

Your proposal should detail the proposed activity, vision, and deliverables for how you will achieve the objectives set out in Part 4 of this guidance.

Please explain why you have chosen your delivery model and its key features and benefits relevant to the lot you are applying for. Explain how you will know you are making an impact and who will benefit. You should also include details for an exit strategy and any additional value you will bring that might exceed the ambitions set out in the prospectus.

If you are applying for more than one lot, you will need to provide a proposal for each lot. Please refer to Annex C in the application form which contains a separate proposal section for you to complete.

We ask you to outline how you proposed to:

• Work with DLUHC to provide a service that is flexible and adaptable to the changing demands of homelessness and rough sleeping.
• Use online, digital and other technology to improve and expand the reach of your service.
• Consider the voice of people with a lived experience of homelessness and rough sleeping in the development of your proposal and its ongoing delivery throughout the Grant.

Section 6: Your organisational structure

Please describe your organisational governance structure, including roles and responsibilities for the project.

As part of your supporting information, we request you also provide an organogram to illustrate your organisational governance structure, including roles and responsibilities for the project. Please ensure this document is referenced in Section 6 of the application form and a copy is emailed to vcfsgrantprogramme@levellingup.gov.uk with your completed application form.

Section 7: Your project delivery plan

Please describe how you intend to plan, implement, manage, and review your project. If you are applying for more than one lot, you will need to provide a project delivery plan for each lot. Please refer to Annex D in the application form which contains a separate project delivery plan section for you to complete.

We recommend you consider the following points for this section:

• Resources - including staff and partners aligned with activities.
• Programme with geographical alignment.
• Stakeholder engagement (inclusion of people with lived experiences in your delivery model).
• Marketing engagement and communications.
• Digital delivery.
• Deliverability.
• Outcomes.
• Value for money.
• Policies: Health & Safety, Procurement, Employment & Recruitment, Equalities, Safeguarding, Data Protection, Social Value and Modern Slavery.
• Exit strategy and future options.

You will have an opportunity to provide detailed information relating to plans for stakeholder involvement, KPIs, outputs and risks in Sections 8 – 11 of the application form.

Please include a Gantt Chart to illustrate your project delivery plan. If you are applying for more than one, you will need to provide a Gantt Chart for each project delivery plan. Please ensure documents are clearly referenced in Section 7 of the application form and sent by email to vcfsgrantprogramme@levellingup.gov.uk with your completed application form.

Section 8: Stakeholders

Please complete the table in Section 8 with information about the stakeholders you expect to engage and when during the project. Please also include details of your expected contribution and outputs from each stakeholder.

If you are applying for more than one lot, you will need to provide this information for each lot. Please refer to Annex E in the application form which contains a separate stakeholder form for you to complete.

Section 9: KPIs

Please complete the table in Section 9, providing expected numbers for DLUHC’s core KPIs and propose additional KPIs that will support DLUHCs understanding and oversight of your proposal as part of the project delivery. For further information, please refer to Part 1 of the guidance information relating to key performance indicators.

KPIs should be challenging and stretching – they are important to give DLUHC a full view of the size and scale your ambitions as well as its efficiency and value for money.

If there is a DLUHC core KPI your organisation cannot feasibly deliver with good reason, please mark and provide further explanation.

Section 10: Outcomes and outputs

Please complete the table in Section 10, providing details of your outcomes and outputs for the project. Please ensure you explain the definition and quality elements and your anticipated outcomes. Tell us how you will record and measure the impact of your proposal. For further information, please refer to Part 4 of this guidance document.

If you are applying for more than one lot, you will need to provide this information for each lot. Please refer to Annex F in the application form which contains a separate outcomes and outputs form for you to complete.

Section 11: Risk log

Please complete the table in Section 11 providing an explanation of potential areas of risk, including fraud, and your measures for mitigation.

If you are applying for more than one lot, you will need to provide this information for each lot. Please refer to Annex G in the application form which contains a separate risk log form for you to complete.

Section 12: Your pricing schedule

Please provide a detailed explanation of your costs, for example if based on quotations or estimates.

If you are applying for more than one lot, you will need to provide a pricing schedule for each lot (or multiple lots). A pricing schedule for Lots 1 – 4 can be found in Annex H in the application form.

Please refer to DLUHC’s VAT statement in Part 1 of this guidance document when completing your price schedule.

Sections 13 - 14: Privacy notice and Freedom of Information

Information is provided in the application form.

Section 15: PCR 2015 Public Contract Regulations

Please check the box to confirm that if your application is successful and you become a Grant receipt, you will observe the requirements of PCR 2015 Public Contract Regulations.

Section 16: Application checklist

A reminder of items required for your application to be processed. This information is also available in Part 5 of the guidance for completing the application form.