More than four in five people want NHS commissioners to use charities and social enterprises more to support people’s health, a survey has found.

A further three in five want the NHS to start taking active steps to work with a greater proportion of third sector suppliers. Just under three in four want NHS procurement to prioritise UK based organisations too.

The NHS ethos of offering free healthcare for all at the point of delivery is among drivers in public support for good causes to be more involved in the supply chain.

But despite public support just 1% of total NHS procurement spending is currently used on charities, according to the Yonder Consulting poll for workforce development organisationSkills for Health.

In February the government issued its updated National Public Policy Statement signalling an intention for public bodies to commission more from charities. But real terms spending on third sector suppliers in some areas is forecast to have declined during 2024/25, Skills for Health warns.

“The third sector makes a vital contribution to the delivery of NHS services, whether behind the scenes or out in the community providing care to patients on behalf of - or in partnership with – NHS providers,” said Skills for Health managing director Jon Czul.

“It is encouraging to see that a majority of the public seems to recognise this fact and, moreover, that the public identifies closely with the principles and values that the third sector embodies.

“The delivery of integrated people-centred care requires a partnership approach that utilises the expertise and resources of public, private and third sectors, as well as working closely with stakeholders whose values reflect those of the public and the NHS.

“It follows that there is definite scope for third sector organisations to play an expanded role in supporting UK healthcare provision into the future.”

Also calling for greater charity involvement in public procurement is charity sector body NCVO. Its chief executive Sarah Elliot said: “Charities and voluntary organisations play a vital role in our health system.

“They are rooted in communities, trusted by the people they support, and bring specialist knowledge shaped by lived experience. From mental health to end-of-life care, they often reach people others can’t.

“This polling shows the public recognises their value. But too often, commissioning creates unnecessary barriers for charities – especially smaller ones – resulting in exclusion from delivery or unsustainable funding arrangements.

“If we want more person-centred care, we need a commissioning environment that provides greater recognition of the value that charities bring as a strategic partner in service design and delivery.”

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