Guidance

Better Commissioning Pathways Programme

Information about the Better Commissioning Pathways Programme and how to apply.

• From: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Published: 15 July 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Better Commissioning Pathways Programme: guidance for applicants

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Details

The Better Commissioning Pathways programme (the ‘Pathways Programme’) is a funding package of up to £2.03 million to deliver a national training and guidance offer to support voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) to develop the skills and capacity to enter into public sector supply chains.

The Pathways Programme is one of many UK government initiatives designed to realise the ambition of the Civil Society Covenant. The Covenant calls for a strong, sustainable and independent civil society which collaborates with the government to benefit the public and achieve shared goals.

DCMS is seeking to select a single grant recipient to deliver training and guidance to VCSEs and public sector commissioners (PSCs), to support a wider range of VCSEs to bid for public sector contracts and to broaden the understanding of the unique role VCSEs can play in public service delivery among PSCs. This grant recipient could be a single organisation, or a consortium (with a lead partner making the application). The successful bidder will deliver this funding between October 2026 and March 2029. This funding can only be used for activity in England.

How to apply

Please follow the steps below to apply:

1. Ensure you have fully read the competition guidance document attached to this page.

2. Complete the online application form hosted on Find A Grant (search ‘Better Commissioning Pathways Programme).

Applications open: Wednesday 15 July 2026 Applications close: 23:59 Sunday 23 August 2026

Any applications received after the closing date will not be assessed.

Published 15 July 2026