Standards in the social service arena have resulted in more funds flowing to voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs).

The outcome management framework, which was introduced in 2005, has helped VWOs to better articulate their objectives for the various services they run.

In the past, VWOs merely listed the services they run but did not focus on the impact of their programmes. With more transparency in the sector, the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has found it easier to secure funding for these VWOs. The data was also used for planning social services, renewing funding and for service improvement. More than $300 million flowed through the sector this financial year, compared to $112 million seven years ago, said NCSS services committee chairman Mr Cyril Chua.

Speaking at the opening of the Impact Conference 2013 for members of the social service sector, he said he was glad for a "common language" spoken among social service agencies, government bodies and donors.