This report presents the findings of the evaluation of the lead funder prototype pilot.
The pilot was developed from the Best Funding Strategy, an initiative developed under the previous government. This reviewed funding arrangements and sought ways of reducing the compliance costs that fall on community organisations. Five prototypes that might achieve the latter were developed, among them the lead funder prototype – a concept where a single government agency acts as the lead agent when contracting with a service provider that receives funding from more than one government agency.
This concept was seen as potentially advantageous to both parties concerned. From a government perspective, it provided opportunities to reduce service provider compliance costs associated with government-funded contracts, and greater inter-sectoral collaboration. From the provider perspective, it offered potential to have integrated, rather than programme-based, services for young people recognised and funded fully, as well as the security of a longer-term (three-year) contract.
The pilot that this evaluation covers was to test this prototype further, along with investigating the possibility of developing standard documentation for purchasers. The Otago Youth Wellness Trust was the service provider. The Dunedin offices of four government agencies were involved: the Department of Child, Youth and Family, the Health Funding Authority (including Personal, Mental, and Maori Health), the Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Police. These agencies, with the exception of the New Zealand Police, had been involved in Family Start, the first national programme to utilise the idea of a lead funder.