The Handbook focuses on social contracting – financing support to non-state actors, in particular Civil society organisations (CSOs), for the delivery of social services to the most vulnerable groups of population which should be provided at the community level. Based on current practices and detailed case studies in three CIS countries – Armenia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine – it provides for a set of key recommendations for decision-makers and all the stakeholders to help address challenges, enhance the effectiveness of social contracting, and improve access to social services in the region. A checklist of practical steps for local authorities in introducing social contracting mechanisms is also included.
The Handbook also advocates that the rights and needs of the beneficiaries should be at the heart of social contracting. This should be reflected by beneficiaries' involvement throughout the process, especially in needs assessment, service design and monitoring, and subsequent evaluation of the service.
Given the similarities of the service provision systems in the countries of our region, when adapted in context, most of the recommendations could be applicable to majority of the countries in the ECIS.