The use of VfM (Value for Money) assessments is widespread in deciding what is funded and, ultimately, what is considered worthwhile for public money of all kinds and beyond. But the current ways of thinking about VfM often do not allow “good things” to happen because they don’t fit the typical VfM mould.
So… ‘What’s better than VfM’?
In 2024 Stuart Astill began running events to explore the importance and major shortcomings of where VfM is currently at.
These are a participatory sessions with attendees which seek to outline challenges and opportunities and consider ways forward.
These events are adaptable and follow a similar format to the extensive work Stuart has undertaken elsewhere as part of his analyses, both privately for government and in the public domain. They are designed to bring together a broad range of stakeholders, decision-makers and analysts to discuss Value for Money issues, raise challenges and questions, and set challenges for Stuart to solve and report back on.
The format can be adapted to suit the context and objectives of each event. Sessions can accommodate different numbers of participants, vary in length, and focus on any specific policy area. Typically, a panel discussion provides an opportunity for participants to raise questions, offer suggestions and explore the issues in greater depth. Please see our ‘Running a VfM event’ section for more information.
Everyone is welcome to start, together, to visualise what is “Better than VfM” and hopefully give a name to it.
Please get in touch if you are interested. We’d love to hear from you whether you’re indiviudally curious about what it means to be ‘Better than VfM’ or if you’d like to get involved in hosting a ‘Better than VfM event’ (big or small)!