Managing Risk and Accountability in SME and VCSE Partnerships
Engaging SMEs, VCSEs and social enterprises brings flexibility, innovation and local knowledge into adult social care delivery. However, partnership working also introduces shared risk that must be actively managed. Commissioners and regulators are clear that accountability for safe, effective care cannot be outsourced.
This article forms part of SME, VCSE & Social Enterprise Engagement and reflects wider social value expectations around responsible collaboration, transparency and governance.
Why risk management matters in partnership models
When third-party organisations contribute to care pathways, risks can arise around safeguarding, quality consistency, information sharing and role clarity. Commissioners expect providers to identify these risks early and demonstrate proportionate controls.
Common partnership risks include:
- Unclear safeguarding responsibilities
- Inconsistent recording and reporting
- Variable staff training standards
- Gaps in escalation and decision-making
Retaining accountability while enabling flexibility
Effective providers strike a balance between enabling VCSE flexibility and retaining clear accountability. This requires explicit agreements that define roles without stifling community-led delivery.
Key mechanisms include:
- Written partnership or service-level agreements
- Defined lines of accountability and escalation
- Clear thresholds for provider intervention
Operational example 1: Safeguarding oversight in a VCSE-led activity programme
A supported living provider partnered with a VCSE delivering group activities for adults with autism. The context involved off-site delivery with limited direct provider supervision.
The support approach included a partnership agreement setting out safeguarding responsibilities, reporting timelines and information-sharing protocols.
Day-to-day delivery involved VCSE staff reporting attendance and any concerns daily, with provider managers reviewing logs weekly.
Effectiveness was evidenced through timely safeguarding referrals, consistent practice across settings and positive inspection feedback on oversight arrangements.
Information governance and data sharing
Risk management extends beyond physical safety. Providers must ensure that personal data is shared lawfully and proportionately with partner organisations.
This typically includes:
- Data sharing agreements aligned to GDPR
- Clear consent processes
- Defined access to care records or summaries
Operational example 2: Managing data sharing with multiple SMEs
A provider worked with several small SMEs delivering specialist support. The context involved differing digital systems and data maturity.
The support approach standardised information-sharing through secure templates and limited data access.
Day-to-day delivery included regular audits of shared information and refresher training for partner staff.
Effectiveness was evidenced through reduced data incidents and improved consistency in reporting.
Quality monitoring across partnership activity
Commissioners expect providers to monitor quality across all elements of delivery, including externally delivered activity.
This includes:
- Regular quality reviews
- Service user feedback involving partners
- Learning from incidents and complaints
Operational example 3: Joint incident review process
A social enterprise delivered employment-readiness sessions. The context involved managing low-level incidents linked to anxiety.
The support approach introduced joint incident reviews involving provider managers and social enterprise leads.
Day-to-day delivery ensured actions were tracked and shared learning applied.
Effectiveness was evidenced through reduced repeat incidents and improved confidence from commissioners.
Commissioner expectation
Commissioner expectation: providers must demonstrate that partnership working is underpinned by robust risk management, with accountability clearly retained and evidenced.
Regulator / Inspector expectation
Regulator / Inspector expectation (e.g. CQC): inspectors expect providers to show clear oversight of third-party delivery, including safeguarding, quality monitoring and learning from incidents.