Improving Government Contracts with Social Service Providers

Official title: Agency and Human Services Procurement Advisory Table engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Economy & Jobs Health & Safety
Alberta Human Services worked with service provider leaders to improve how the government contracts with agencies that deliver social services. The goal was to make these relationships more efficient and effective. Monthly meetings and working groups produced a final report with recommendations.

Why This Matters

If you rely on social services in Alberta—disability supports, family services, or community programs—this shaped how those services get funded and delivered. Better contracts between government and service providers can mean more stable, higher-quality programs.

What Could Change

The advisory table produced recommendations for how Alberta contracts with social service agencies. This could have led to changes in grant processes, contract terms, and how the ministry measures outcomes from funded programs.

Key Issues

  • How can contracting and granting strategies be improved for social service delivery?
  • What approaches would make service delivery relationships more efficient and effective?

What Happened

The Procurement Advisory Table completed its work in 2016. Through monthly meetings and sub-group work, leaders from the service provider sector collaborated with Alberta Human Services to develop improved contracting strategies. A final report with recommendations was produced.