Commissioning Explained
The term ‘commissioning’ defines a whole process that is commonly known as ”analyse, plan, do and review”.
It involves defining the needs of local people, setting them out in a specification, finding services to meet those needs, monitoring them and then reassessing the original needs.
It is not to be mixed up with procurement, which is the activity undertaken to secure a contractor to meet a particular set of the needs.
Effectively, commissioning it is all about a service user led process, ensuring the right services are delivered to the right people, by the right people, providing value for money.
Implementing an effective commissioning process requires a coherent approach across the Solihull Partnership. To achieve this, an Integrated Commissioning Framework will be published, drawing on best practice across sectors.
SUSTAiN are actively involved in helping shape this framework to ensure the Third Sector’s needs and best interests are met.
An integrated commissioning approach will deliver:
- A better understanding of the current and future needs of local communities;
- Services designed around the current and future needs of communities rather than based on historic service configurations;
- Services provided by organisations which are able to secure the best outcomes for local people.
There are two key parts to the commissioning process where the Third Sector can get involved.
First, helping shape what services are needed and should be provided. To do this the Solihull Partnership needs to go out to the community and find out what it wants. What matters to local people right now? What was suitable two years ago isn’t necessarily suitable now. All Third Sector organisations represent a part of the community and so your input into this part of the commissioning process will be vital.
The second part of the commissioning process is about actually delivering the services that the community needs.
Many Third Sector organisations will be potential delivery partners for some of the work that will be commissioned. This could provide an opportunity to diversify income or reduce reliance on grant funding.
If your organisation is looking to get more involved in commissioning processes and would like some support, contact Claire Milican, Sector Development Manager on 0121 711 3148 or email sectordevelopment@solihull-sustain.org.uk.
You may also find SUSTAiN’s commissioning fact sheets helpful.
