The agenda of change in the public sector requires many organisations to operate in a new way and will often require expertise that they do not have. New models of service delivery can be a key means of achieving this, bringing in the expertise of the private sector and social enterprises. Engagement with these organisations can be through direct outsourcing or through partnership.

Good outsourcing can deliver many benefits, including savings; investment in new IT and systems; a better idea of operational and unit costs; monitoring performance and outputs; and accountability through knowing costs and performance; alongside other benefits, such as generating local employment. Management can focus on ensuring services that are delivered as required rather than becoming embroiled in day-to-day operational issues.